He closed his eyes, accepting the affectionate gesture, gripping Legolas’ shoulders for a moment before releasing him. Thranduil welcomed the attention, but could not justify keeping them embracing for longer than a beat or two.

“You are no longer an elfling. You have the right to make your own choices. I am no Thingol—I witnessed what happens when a father holds too tightly.” Not that he would ever lose the urge to keep his son by his side. “You need not ask for forgiveness. It is granted, always. And now, when we return, I will have the comfort of knowing you will be gone but a year, and return to me whole..”

He would not consider the alternative.