Thranduil isn't hesitant - that's not the right term, as he rarely hesitates. A better word might be cautious. Legolas's outburst was unexpected, and long years had taught Thranduil to treat the unknown with a certain wariness; they were not always dangerous, but the surprise could make everything worse if they were. And now he was watching, almost examining him, trying to figure out what had happened.

That laugh. That hideous, broken laugh - so different from Legolas's bright voice, which long had echoed through the shadowed halls of Mirkwood. It worries him.

"All things come to an end."