I am beginning to suspect he was no Man at all. [ such a clever pretext has been kept up, he has been in the dark about so many matters- inasmuch as the courtesy of being told has ever been given to him, but. he can guess. he has always been clever enough. ]

He lives. [ thranduil confirms, and releases her, the hand on her shoulder lingering. if she can draw comfort from it, she is welcome to it. ] He lives, Legolas lives, the Enemy is defeated.

[ it cannot hurt to repeat it like a mantra. his wait is over. the him that legolas knows can sail, once he rallies his silvans. he will see his father, his wife, his mother. or- he would. eru has chosen him for another purpose. ]

You owe me nothing, cousin. [ he withdraws his hand, holds it neatly in his lap. his tone lightens, becomes playful. ] Please, do not say that to him. He is a good son, a good prince, humble- enough praise and he will end up like me.