Never Realizing

Chapter 2 : Life Keeps Moving Forward

“Goodnight, son,” Legolas said to Elfaer, who, after a long night of dinner and an impromptu (though expected) interrogation from his mother, was escaping into the night feeling relieved.

Elfaer nodded to his father and let his mother pull him into her embrace. She gave him a kiss on the cheek and sent him on his way, calling after him, “Do not stay away for too long, or I’ll sic Ana on you again.”

Once Elfaer had descended the ladder, Fanya shut the trapdoor and straightened up. “What a night,” she said with a sigh as she turned to her husband. Legolas, she noticed, did not look pleased; it was in the stiffness of his neck and the steel in his eye. She took his hand and led him to a chair, where she sat him down and started to rub his neck. “What is wrong, my love?” she asked softly, as she worked.

“Does it not bother you?” he asked, eyes closed.

“What?” she responded. She wondered where his thoughts were.

“Our children no longer need us,” he said glumly. He sighed and finally relaxed, slumping deep into the chair.

“Of course it bothers me, Legolas. I do not want them to all grow up and get hurt – like how Elfaer is hurting right now. But I do know that this is part of life. They will never not need us, though. It is their turn to go out into the world and make a few mistakes.” Fanya paused and gave a small smile. “Imagine how Thranduil has felt for most of your life, Sir Nine Walkers,” she reminded him with a nudge.

“Terrified, out of control,” Legolas listed dully.

Fanya chuckled softly. “I can imagine.” She rubbed his neck in silence for a few minutes longer and felt the elf beneath her hands start to finally relax and let go.

Legolas, while always enjoying the ministrations of his wife’s hands, was still not totally at ease in his mind. “Suddenly I feel as if I owe my father an apology,” he mumbled sullenly.

“Nonsense,” Fanya replied. “He knows you and knows that you could or would not have behaved in any other way. He is proud of you, just as you are proud of your own children.” Fanya kissed his head and Legolas pulled her into his lap. She curled up and relaxed, forever grateful that she had his support in any of her crazy motherly schemes to investigate into their children’s lives. Grateful that she had his support in all aspects of her life. Grateful that he had taken her and grown with her into their life now.

“Thank you,” Fanya mumbled into Legolas’ chest.

“For what?” Legolas asked, resting his chin on her head.

“For marrying me,” Fanya replied simply.

“Oh…” Legolas trailed off and thought for a moment. “You’re welcome, I suppose.”