Summary
In the light of morning a father and son contemplate impending battle and think of each other as they prepare for war in different parts of Middle-earth. The Battle Under the Trees in Mirkwood and The Battle of the Pelennor Fields both took place on the same date, March 15, 3019, III.
A/N: Elvish words in the story:
Ai, ion nín – Ah,my son,
Ai, adar nín – Ah,my father
This Day
~*~*~*~*~*~
Thranduil
They come. The forces of Dol Guldur stand less than a day’s march beyond our borders now, and I do not doubt that tonight we shall meet them in battle. We have done all we can to prepare. Our people have taken refuge in the stronghold and our warriors stand ready; every heart and every hand steeled for what will come.
I would that you were here, ion nín, for you are needed, and though my heart grasps at hope that where you are there is less peril, I dare not hope overmuch; for war now runs like fire across the face of Middle-earth, and none, I think, will escape it. My eyes stray to the south, as they often do, for I shudder to recall the lands you purpose to tread, and I wonder where you are and how you fare. Ai, ion nín, what will this day bring?
~*~*~*~*~*~
Legolas
At last we have reached the Harlond and doughty Men bind the ships to the quays. Fierce battles rage within the Rammas and the Fields of Pelennor harbor foes beyond count, yet my heart is lifted in hope for the sun shines again and the wind from the Sea has at last cleansed the sky of that reek of Mordor.
Even so, smokes from the battlefield drift over the River and veil my sight as I look northward, and a shadow touches my mind as my thoughts turn towards home. If war has not already assailed your borders it soon will. I fear now you face the hour of your greatest need, and I am far from your side. Yet there or here we fight one foe and I shall deal him such wounds as I am able wherever I may be. Ai, adar nín, what will this day bring?