To Sow a Barren Land: Book II

Disclaimer: Nope, not mine.

AN: The epilogue. And the second shortest chapter I have ever written!

I have a huge apology for you gusy for taking so long to put this one up. Just let me take a moment to explain why:

I initially thought of writing a book 3 exploring more about Rainion's past, his character and his current relationship with Thranduil. I won't lie, it would have been very 'angsty'. But, I felt like drawing this project for too long and making it unnecessarily complicated than it really should be.

I am still not sure about the ending. BUT, I hope that it is somewhat acceptable?

Epilogue

Their son was named Legolas. He was showered with all the affections and attention from his parent who would never stay parted from him longer than necessary. He brought life to the realm with his youth and light to his father's eyes and a glow to his Ada's face.

Thranduil was finally at peace.

He ensured that Legolas got all that Orophin did not; that he would not make the same mistakes twice as he did with Orophin.

Thranduil and Rainion had married months after Rainion's return. The wedding had been grand and Rainion soon won the hearts of the elves with his dedication and leadership, causing the patch of land under him to flourish.

Legolas grew up strong. His skills in archery were unmatched as was his parents' pride for him.

But soon, things would grow darker.

Erebor and the Woodland Realm would have more than one encounter but the circumstances would be completely different. But that is a history known by all.

Legolas strengthened over time but so did the grimness which was beginning to surround the Woodland Realm.

Greenwood slowly became Mirkwood. Giant spiders began pestering the Woodleves.

Rainion too was becoming weary, burdened by the responsibilities which came upon him. The light in his eyes was fading. It was a struggle for him every single day to go and work. Till one day, he witnessed the anarchy brought on by the spiders.

Fight took place. Chaos ensued. Many elves' lives were lost. Many were wounded. Blood had been shed. The destruction was monumental.

It was be all that he could bear. It was be all that finally drove him to Thranduil where he asked if he could sail. Seeing the tattered and worn down form of his lover, Thranduil let him but not before promising of joining him when the time would come.

And Rainion too promised that he would be waiting for his family.

With a tearful exchange of words of love, Rainion sailed along with some others who had seen too much.

Thranduil became sterner, his shoulders weighed down by the entire responsibility for his realm and the concern for his son.

He kept Legolas close to him—near him—as much as he could. But he knew well enough that a day would come when Thranduil would have to let him go. A day would come when he would be again forced to be separated from his child.

And it did after Gollum's escape from their hold.

He became restless, he prayed and worried every moment of every single day till he finally received word from Lothlorien. They told him of his son forming bonds with Haldir and his brothers. When the name of one of those brothers reached his ears, Thranduil shivered at his past hurling towards him. From that day itself he would be restless. He would be aching to go to the Golden Woods, search out Haldir's brother and embrace him tightly.

He would want to be the parent that he had never fully become. He would want to bring Orophin home.

But Fate spoke differently.

One day, Helms Deep faced a battle. Till its end, Thranduil held his heart in hand, praying desperately to the Valar to keep his sons safe.

When he heard Legolas being the only elf alive, when he heard about the valiant efforts shown by Haldir, his brothers and his troops, he collapsed on the ground. He wept. He bawled till the pain in his heart would leave him numb.

However Legolas returned. Just as he set foot in Thranduil's halls, he was met with Thranduil running towards him. He was embraced tightly against his father's chest who shamelessly shed tears of relief. Thranduil refused to let Legolas go, cradling him as he did when Legolas was an elfling.

Though Legolas' stay would be shortlived.

Thranduil again had to part with his child. He again had to bid goodbye to his son with misty eyes. This time, he knew Legolas would not be coming back. Instead, Thranduil was sure that he would be joining him and Rainion in years to come.

After centuries more, he sailed. In Valinor, his family was finally complete.

AN: So that was it. I wanna take the opportunity to thank everybody who has been supporting this. It's a quirky idea to wrap your heads around—I know. But I am also grateful for you guys sticking by and providing me with encouragement and advice which really motivated me. Thank you all,

Till next time~