But for all its blustering, the tempest was over after another ten minutes. Legolas wiped the rain and tears from his face, unleashed the tether that secured his boat, and boarded it. With the oar in hand, he paddled back to the riverbank, and to his awaiting father.
Neither spoke, both aware of the reasons why Legolas had braved the storm. He saw compassion in his father’s eyes, and unconditional love. Under such a gaze, Legolas could not hold back another surge of tears. Strong arms held him tightly, and his father murmured soft, soothing words to calm him. When his tears ceased, and he was composed again, they walked back to the caverns in comforting silence.