Posted: December 2003
Title: The Passing of the Fellowship
Author: Dhvana
Fandom: Tolkien
Type: FCS
Pairing(s): Legolas/Aragorn, Legolas/Menelhen
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: Not mine--Tolkien's. Go ahead and sue--once you see how deep in debt I am, you'll only feel pity and let me go.
Warning: Major angst-fest.
A/N #1: I promised a friend I would write this ages ago, and while it took me about eight months to get around to it, here it is. So Syro, this is dedicated to you and your love of Healer-boy! ;)
Summary: In this epilogue to the Descending Darkness Series, it is time for Legolas to leave the shores of Middle-Earth for Valinor.

*****

"Aragorn!"

The voice echoed across the white rocks, the sound dampened by the grief of a city. It traveled between the walls and through the inner gates all the way to the top of the Tower, but there was no answering call.

"ESTEL!"

The cry was desperate this time, pleading, coming from higher up the path that wound itself around Minas Tirith. Footsteps pounded dully on the pale stones as a single figure ran through the City until reaching the courtyard beyond the Great Gate.

"Estel!" the golden being shouted again, searching the open space and seeing nothing but a white tree, its branches adorned by black ribbons that fluttered in the breeze.

"No. . ." he whispered, shaking his head, stumbling backwards a few steps. "No--this cannot be!"

Falling against the Great Gate, he closed his eyes, gasping for breath he hadn't even realized he'd lost. As he stood there with the City's greatest defense as his only support, a sound reached his ears, a voice singing words he had not heard in a hundred years.

"Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien."

Opening blue eyes that glowed palely against the early morning light, Legolas blindly followed the voice as it led him across grass that was once a brilliant green, but was now scattered with blades of brown.

"Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar. . ."

He followed the song past the White Tree towards a monument hewn from the pale rock. He lifted his heavy feet up the stairs to pause before a stonem, rectangular in shape, covered in a black cloth that was adorned by flowers both wilted and new.

". . . tenn' Ambar-metta."

Slowly, Legolas reached out a trembling hand and pulled on the cloth, drawing it back to reveal a face carved into the likeness of the one who owned his heart.

Shouting in disbelief, Legolas snatched his hand away. He fell back against a column, clenching his eyes shut, but could not block out the sight burnt into his vision. Sliding to the ground, he fell at the base of his beloved's coffin and lay there till strong arms found him and carried him away.

Legolas slowly focused on a pair of deep blue eyes that gazed down on him with fear and concern, eyes that were lined with cares unfortunately increased by worry for the Elf. The features of the face were familiar--the noble chin, the pointed nose, the regal brow, but they had been gentled by blood that belonged to a fairer creature. Legolas knew the one looking down on him, but this only served to enhance his sorrow.

"Eldarion," he whispered and the Man smiled, clasping one of Legolas's hands to his lips.

"Legolas, you frightened me. I was afraid I had lost you, too."

"Not yet, little one," he sighed, closing his eyes. "But soon."

"Don't say that," the King said, shaking his head, clutching his friend's hand to his heart. "I've lost both my mother and my father. Please, I cannot bear to lose you as well."

Though the words reached his ears, Legolas made no motion to respond.

Horses carrying two Elves and a Dwarf left a trail of dust behind them as their hooves pounded across the road leading to Minas Tirith. Though each one prayed they were not too late, the black flags waving from the top of the Citadel told them otherwise.

The twins exchanged looks of such pain, it threatened to knock them from their steeds while a moan of dismay escaped from between the Dwarf's lips.

"We're too late," he said softly, but one of the Elves shook his head, blue-violet eyes hardening.

"Maybe we're not," Elladan said, his voice filled with a grim determination. "Maybe they mourn in anticipation of his passing."

"Why would they want to anticipate something like that?" Gimli demanded in his gruff tone.

"To ease their grief?" Elladan shrugged, and his brother sighed.

"There is nothing that will ease that grief--not theirs, and not ours. Our brother is gone."

All three were quiet while they absorbed the reality of their loss even as their hearts tried to deny it. Brother, friend, companion, Aragorn was all these things to them, and more. To lose such a one was a pain that would take years to heal, if that pain could be healed at all.

Elladan reached for his twin's hand, needing the physical contact of the living to keep his heart intact. Elrohir, in turn, placed a hand on Gimli's shoulder, knowing the Dwarf would be suffering as well.

After a few moments' silence, Gimli shook his head, brushing the unshed tears from his eyes.

"And Legolas?" the Dwarf asked the twins, knowing full well the relationship that existed between the King and the golden Prince.

The twins looked at him sharply, then turned their gazes to the city ahead.

"He is the one we must concern ourselves with," Elrohir answered grimly, nudging his horse into a gallop.

"And as predicted years ago," Elladan said, a tear tracing a path through the dirt on his cheek, "I am thankful to have him to distract me from my grief."

"Aye," Gimli agreed, following the Elves, not knowing of the Prince's prediction, but grateful as well that his concern for the friend who was alive helped to displace the grief he felt for the friend who had gone.

The Elves and Dwarf roared through the City, scattering from their path its people dressed in somber colors. As they reached the top, the Elves gracefully leapt from their horses while the Dwarf dismounted by sliding down the flank of his steed. There they paused, uncertain as to where to go next.

"Elladan, Elrohir, Gimli!"

The three turned at the voice calling their names to see the new King running towards them. The Elves opened their arms to embrace their nephew.

"Eldarion," Elrohir said, stroking the dark hair, but the Man would not accept his comfort.

"Where have you been?" he demanded, searching their faces. "I sent for you days ago!"

"I'm sorry," Elladan said, pressing a hand to the pale, bearded cheek. "We came as soon as we could. We never thought. . ."

As the Elf stumbled over his sorrow, Gimli heaved a great sigh. "We never imagined it would happen so quickly."

A tear fell from Eldarion's eye as he placed a hand on the Dwarf's shoulder. "Neither did I."

"Where's our sister?" Elrohir asked, and if possible, the lines of grief etching the Man's face grew even deeper.

"She is gone. Mother said the City was mine now. She told me she loved me, kissed me good-bye, and left."

"She has gone to Lothlorien," Elrohir said. "We will seek her out before we go."

"Go?" Eldarion frowned, and Elladan nodded.

"We were only waiting for your father's death before crossing the sea."

"You would leave me as well," the King said, his adult voice softening to that of a child. "You, my parents, my dearest friends, you're all abandoning me. I will not have anyone left, and I cannot tend him alone."

"Your father does not need tending," Elladan said sadly, and Eldarion shook his head.

"Not Father. Legolas."

"Legolas!" Gimli exclaimed, the reminder snapping him from his sorrow. "How? Where? I thought we'd reached here before him!"

"He arrived three days ago. I found him lying by my father's tomb. I think. . . I fear he will not be long to join the King."

"Take us to him," Elladan demanded, and they followed Eldarion through the maze of the Citadel, Gimli grumbling under his breath along the way.

"I knew I should never have left that daft Elf go off on his own. ‘Just want to walk the paths of Mirkwood, to see my father'," Gimli mimicked in a high-pitched voice before returning to his naturally graveled tone. "This is the last time I'm ever letting him out of my—"

The Dwarf's ranting came to a halt as Eldarion stopped, holding open the door to a room containing a single bed, and upon that bed, a single unmoving form.

"He's like this most of the time," the King said softly. "He doesn't move, he barely breathes, he doesn't eat. I don't even know if he's aware that I'm here, but I spend hours talking to him, just in case, trying to reach him. I think he has to know I'm here, though, because sometimes when I leave him alone, he finds his way back to my father's tomb. My dear uncles, what is wrong with him?"

The three newcomers surrounded the bed, kneeling down beside the still figure. Elladan brushed the golden hair from Legolas's face as Elrohir and Gimli each took a cold hand in theirs.

"He and your father were very close," Elrohir whispered. "The pain of his loss has wounded Legolas deeply. I fear he is fading."

"Is there anything we can do?" Eldarion asked, afraid he would have to bury yet another loved one when he hadn't even recovered from burying his father.

"We will try to reach him," Elladan nodded, "but I'm afraid the only one who can bring him back is no longer here."

"If you're speaking of my father—"

"No," Elrohir said, shaking his head. "Not of your father, but of a Healer who left these shores long ago."

"Then we should take Legolas to him!" Gimli exclaimed, pounding his fist on the mattress and causing the motionless body of the Elf to jump. Gimli immediately snatched his hands away from the bed. "Sorry. . . sorry."

"Can you take him?" Eldarion asked, glancing between his uncles' handsome faces as the brothers exchanged looks.

"Well," Elrohir began slowly, "I don't see how it could hurt him. After all, the most it could do is wake him up, and that's what we're hoping for."

His twin's eyes narrowed. "I'm not so sure. The only thing keeping Legolas alive is his connection to Estel and to Middle-Earth. If we take him away, he may not survive."

"We can't stay here--he needs Menelhen!"

"We can't move him, or he'll die."

A sigh from the bed grabbed their attention and all four were surprised to see Legolas's clear blue eyes looking at them.

"I'm fine," he said softly, pushing himself up. "But I will not deny I cannot stay here much longer."

Gimli reached behind the Elf to help support him and Legolas granted him a weak smile before his gaze traveled to the window beyond. At what he saw there, none of the others could guess, but all expression drained from his face and his voice was distant when he spoke.

"I hear them all the time now, the gulls. Their cries haunt my dreams, their phantom feathers brush across my skin. I feel the crashing of the waves in my blood and smell the sea with every breath I take." A shudder running through his body, he focused his gaze once more on his friends. "My time here is done."

"Legolas," Gimli began, and the golden Prince smiled at him, a true smile this time.

"Do not worry, my friend. I have not forgotten. When I leave this land, it will be with you at my side."

"Damn right," the Dwarf said gruffly. "I keep learning the hard way I cannot trust you to look after yourself."

"And you?" Eldarion said, looking to his uncles. "Will you be leaving with them?"

"Your mother needs us first," Elladan began, and Elrohir finished, "but we will find you before we go. We would not leave without saying good-bye."

"Neither will you," the King said, looking to the golden Prince and the Dwarf. "Rest, recover, take as much time as you need--you'll find your usual rooms are waiting for you, but if you think of leaving without saying good-bye, I will lock you in the Tower."

Gimli chuckled and Legolas smiled reassuringly at the King. "We would not dream of it."

Eldarion turned to go, then flung himself at the Elf, tears in his eyes. "I wish you didn't have to leave," he said, holding the Prince whom he considered to be a part of his family. "Both of you," he added, reaching for the Dwarf, and the two held the King in their arms.

"You will always have our love," Legolas said.

"And if you need me to stay. . ." Gimli started, but Eldarion smiled and silenced the Dwarf with a kiss to his forehead.

"I would ask, but I think Legolas needs you more. Otherwise, who would keep him from falling over the edge of the ship?"

"Eldarion!" the golden Prince protested over Gimli's chuckles, and even the King's troubles seemed to lift as he grinned at the Elf.

"It is good to hear the sound of laughter again. Even if it is at your expense," he added with a wink as he rose to his feet, his uncles taking him in their arms. "I must tend to my duties, but I will return to you as soon as I can."

Kissing each of the twins on the cheek, the King turned and left the room. Gimli, sensing the brothers wanted some time alone with the golden Prince, straightened his beard and headed for the door.

"I'm going to find something to eat, and when I get back, it will be enough food to make up for all the meals I'm sure you've missed," the Dwarf said, glaring at the Elf. "And you will eat every bite."

"Yes, Master Dwarf," Legolas said, his voice properly contrite. Gimli grunted and left, closing the door behind him.

Legolas barely had time to look at the twins before he found himself being knocked down to the bed by the overenthusiastic brothers.

"You miserable son of an Orc, don't you ever scare us like that again!" Elladan growled, covering one side of the Prince's face with kisses, leaving the other side for his brother.

"Don't you think we've suffered enough?" Elrohir demanded, wrapping himself around the Elf.

"It isn't my fault you always assume the worst," Legolas said, giving them each a dirty look. "‘I fear he is fading'. Truly, Elrohir, you should know me better than that."

Elrohir's gaze softened as he looked at the golden Prince. "It is because we know you so well that we assumed the worst."

Legolas sighed, his body easing into their embraces. "Yes, my grief over Estel's death is shredding me to pieces inside, but as you once said, my salvation is waiting for me on a distant shore."

"And you think you can be happy with him?" Elladan asked, needing to be sure Legolas was doing what was best for both him and the Healer, and the golden Prince smiled down at his friend, sorrow filling his eyes.

"If I were to follow my heart, I would lie down at Estel's feet and follow him into the next world, but Menelhen's love is drawing me across the sea, and I feel a longing to go to him as well. Though I am torn in two, my choice is made easier by knowing Menelhen is what Estel wanted for me when he was gone."

"Estel wanted to be sure you would be happy, and Menelhen loves you and will do his best to make you happy, but do not go for them. What is it that you want?"

Legolas closed his eyes, softly shaking his head. "What I want, I can no longer have." A shiver ran through his body and he opened his eyes again to look down at his fellow Elves. "He is gone."

The terrible sorrow in his voice unleashed the grief the brothers had been carefully guarding and the golden Prince held them as they began to weep. The twins' bodies shook as the agony of Aragorn's passing nearly broke their hearts and Elladan and Elrohir shed tears for their lost brother until they cried themselves into exhaustion.

Legolas provided for them what comfort he could as they passed into reverie, but he himself did not rest. His eyes began to glow with a pale light and he disentangled himself from the twins, making his way through the Citadel to the courtyard. A dark figure was standing by the White Tree, his hand raised as the black ribbons slid through his fingers.

"They don't do the tree justice," he said as the Elf approached, his gaze critical as he looked on the somberly decorated branches. "In fact, they're really something of an eyesore."

Legolas chuckled, wrapping his arms around the Man's waist and resting his head on a broad shoulder. "I'll be sure and let them know, but somehow, I don't think they'll listen to me. After all, you never did."

"Golden menace," Estel said, chuckling affectionately.

"Hairy Man," the Elf countered.

"I see my brothers have arrived."

Legolas nodded absently, his eyes on the tree in front of them. "They've brought Gimli as well."

The Man grinned, kissing the top of the golden head. "Never thought I'd see the day, but the three of them really do get on well. Gimli's stubbornness is the perfect curb to their mindless passions."

"They never have grown up, have they?"

He gave the Elf an appraising look. "You would want them to?"

Legolas thought about it for a moment, then shook his head. "No, I suppose not. Besides, they keep Gimli entertained. I think he's half in love with them himself, or he would be, if it wasn't for their Elven blood."

"Everyone's half in love with them," Estel said, exchanging grins with the Prince, but then the light in his eyes sobered. "Does this mean you'll be leaving soon?"

The Elf's face grew panicked. "I don't have to. I'll stay if you want me to."

"Legolas. . ."

He buried his face in the strong chest. "I don't want to leave you."

"Why not? I've already left you."

The Elf's eyes narrowed. "Not by my choice."

"We're not going to go over this again, are we?" he sighed. "It's really starting to disturb my hard-earned peace."

"Oh, do forgive me if my grief over your loss is something of a nuisance to you. I shall stop grieving immediately and forget you ever existed."

"Do. Please. Go on with your eternity, and leave me to mine."

Legolas impatiently pushed him away and began striding across the courtyard. The Man sighed again and chased after him.

"Legolas—"

"Why are you following me, Estel? You just told me to leave you alone."

"My love, why are you making this so difficult for yourself?"

The Elf whirled around and the King stumbled against him in surprise at the sudden movement. "Why am I making this difficult? Maybe it's because I love you so much, my heart isn't ready to surrender itself to your death. Maybe it's because you made me promise I would never leave you, and therefore, I cannot."

"If that is all that is holding you here, I release you from your promise."

"Oh, thank you, my Lord," Legolas said, bowing low before the King. "Your generosity overwhelms me. You are indeed a wise, considerate, just—"

"Enough," Estel said irritably. "You know this was never meant to go beyond life. I am dead, and Menelhen is waiting for you."

"Ah, yes, Menelhen, my kind and gentle Healer."

"And beautiful--do not forget beautiful."

"How could I?" Legolas said loftily. "Indeed, his beauty far outweighs yours."

"Well then, what are you waiting for?" Estel said, causing Legolas to smirk at the jealousy in the Man's voice. "Go to him and leave me be."

The Elf opened his mouth with a sharp answer on the tip of his tongue, then closed it again and sighed, sinking onto the grass. "We're going in circles."

Nodding, Estel sat down across from him, taking the Prince's hands in his. "Let me go, Legolas. Set me free, and free yourself."

Legolas clenched his eyes shut to hold back the threatening tears. "What if it is a freedom I do not want?"

"My love," Estel said softly, pressing a hand to the pale cheek, "I'm afraid you do not have a choice. I am already gone. The Man you see before you is only here because you will me to be."

"I know, but I cannot help it." Tears escaped the corners of his eyes as Legolas whispered, "I love you, Estel of Rivendell."

"And I, you, Legolas of Mirkwood. I shall miss you."

"I will always miss you."

Estel leaned forward to brush his lips across those of his love, and then he was gone.

A single cloaked figure stood on the bow of the ship watching with fearful eyes as the fog parted to reveal his new home. It wasn't the land that made his hands tremble with fear, but the thought of those who dwelled there. Or rather, of one who dwelled there.

The clumping of boots on the deck drew his attention and he smiled at the Dwarf's gruff "Hrumph."

"Not much to look at, is it?"

Glancing down at the Dwarf, the Elf's smile grew. "Don't worry, we'll find some hole for you to hide yourself in."

"Hide myself? From whom? A bunch of silly Elves? Not likely," he said, eyes squinting as they searched the shore, his hope evident even to the Elf.

"She'll be here," Legolas chuckled, and the Dwarf looked up at him, an expression of pure innocence on his face.

"Who?"

"You can't fool me, Gimli. You're not here because of me. You're here to see Galadriel."

"Yes, well," he said, shuffling from foot to foot, "I admit, it will be an honor to set eyes on the Lady of the Woods once more, but we both know you'd be lost without me."

"We do, indeed," Legolas said softly, and Gimli took his friend's hand to give it a reassuring pat.

"It'll be all right, Princeling, don't you worry about a thing." The Dwarf looked as if he was about to continue, but stopped as a figure appeared on the shore, and a bushy eyebrow arched high towards the graying hair. "Looks like someone's come to meet us."

Legolas's eyes focused on the shore and his heart skipped a beat. He would know that graceful form anywhere, or the silver lock shining against the dark brown hair in the early morning sun.

"I feel as nervous as a bridegroom on his wedding night," he muttered, trying to make light of the situation, but that had nothing to do with the fluttering in his stomach. The true source of his nerves came from the fear that should he join the Elf on the shore, he would be betraying his heart.

"Aragorn would not want you to stop living for him," Gimli said, seeing through to the core of his friend's troubles, and Legolas gave a hesitant nod.

"I know you're right, but that doesn't make this any easier."

"According to the mongrel twins," Gimli began, then his eyes darkened a bit, "who'd better show up soon, because I do not want to cross this sea again to go after them--the Elf over there will not want you to do anything you would consider a betrayal to yourself, or to Aragorn. He's waited this long for you. I have a feeling he'll be willing to wait a little while more."

"Thank you, my friend," Legolas said, smiling down at him. "I sometimes forget how sensible you can be. For a Dwarf."

"That's because you Elves complicate things until you can't tell which way is up."

"So it helps to have someone closer to the ground to tell us."

"Exactly," Gimli nodded, then paused. "Now wait just a minute. . ."

At that moment, the ship reached the dock. Chuckling, Legolas knelt down to kiss the top of the Dwarf's head, then hopped onto the wooden planks. Taking a deep breath, he strode towards the waiting figure.

He could feel the silver eyes caressing his face and his cheeks warmed beneath the loving gaze. Slowing as he neared the Healer, he stopped in front of him and slowly looked up to meet Menelhen's eyes.

His breath caught in his throat at the Elf's gentle beauty, but something new to be found in those delicate features made him pause.

Menelhen had changed.

There was a confidence Legolas had never seen before, the Healer in him radiating compassion and wisdom. Menelhen had truly found his place in this world, and though Legolas hadn't been sure before whether he wanted it, he now grew afraid he would have no longer fit in the Healer's life.

"You've changed," Menelhen said, and Legolas blinked with surprise.

"I was thinking the same about you."

"I have?" Menelhen asked, puzzled, and Legolas nodded. "For the better, I hope."

"I don't know," the Prince said, frowning a little. "I mean, I'm sure it's for the better, but. . ."

"But you don't know who I am anymore, and I don't know who you are."

"Yes," Legolas whispered, tears pricking at his eyes, then was startled as Menelhen began to laugh. "I don't understand--this is funny to you?"

"Immensely," the Healer grinned, sliding his arms around the Prince's waist. "We have not changed so much, you and I. My heart is still yours, and if I have to fight to win a place in your affections again, then by the Valar, I will. Though this time, I should warn you, I will not go so easy on you."

"When have you ever gone easy on me?" Legolas couldn't resist asking as his spirits began to lighten. The moment Menelhen touched him, it was as if the jagged pieces of his soul had started falling into place.

"Believe me, my Lord, you will think our previous encounters a happy dream compared to the torment I'm going to put you through."

"Oh, I believe you, my lovely Menelhen. Perhaps it will be easier for me to simply accept my fate instead of fighting it."

Menelhen stiffened a little in his arms. "Do not simply ‘accept', Legolas, or I will not have you. Embrace your fate willingly, when you are ready, and I will be yours. But until that time comes," he said, his voice teasing as he peered eagerly over Legolas's shoulder, "I don't suppose you brought the twins with you."

The golden Prince laughed, shaking his head. "They'll be arriving later, so stop looking. And when they do get here," his eyes narrowed playfully, "I will break their fingers if they even consider touching you."

"There's that possessiveness I remember so well," Menelhen smiled, reaching up to trace his fingers over Legolas's cheek, his eyes widening slightly as a shudder ran through the Prince's body and the dusky lips parted with a sharp intake of breath.

The two Elves stared at each other, afraid to move and possibly break the tentatively formed bond between them.

"By the gods!" came an irritated voice from behind them and Legolas stumbled against Menelhen as the Dwarf gave him a hard shove. "Kiss him already, you daft Elf. Do I need to hold your hand for everything?"

Still grumbling, Gimli continued down the path that led into the woods, the Elves' eyes watching him with embarrassment and amusement.

"Friend of yours?" Menelhen asked, arching an eyebrow.

"Excellent friend," Legolas answered, finding himself mesmerized by the movement of the Healer's lips. "Gives excellent advice. I think you'll like him."

Noticing that the Prince's eyes seemed to have found a new focus, Menelhen smiled. "He's just become my favorite Dwarf."

"Mine, too," Legolas said and leaned forward till his lips were almost touching Menelhen's. His eyes flicked up at the last second to see the Healer watching him with barely contained desire that was as familiar as his own. Smiling, he closed the space between them and kissed the silver-eyed Elf.

Menelhen's entire form trembled as the Prince's lips met his and with a desperate moan, he wrapped his arms around Legolas's neck, pressing as much of his body as he could against Legolas.

Finding his passion rising to match that of the Healer's, Legolas clutched at the Elf, hungrily devouring the soft lips. The two grabbed at each other, trying to fight their way through layers of clothes to touch skin that had long been separated.

Suddenly, Menelhen gasped the Prince's name and Legolas's answer was a garbled shout as the couple lost their balance and fell onto the sand.

"Ow," the Healer said with a wince.

"Sorry," Legolas grinned and Menelhen glared up at him.

"You're smiling? Why are you smiling?"

"I'd forgotten how good it feels to be on top of you."

"Oh. Well, then, you may continue smiling," he said, grinning back at the Prince as he reached to draw Legolas's head down for another kiss.

The two rolled around on the sand, kissing and pawing at each other as if no time had passed between them at all, unaware that their actions were being viewed by approving eyes.

Chuckling to himself, Gimli shook his head and with one last look, headed towards the city. He'd hoped his friend would only need a nudge in the right direction, and the pretty Elf was just the thing to help chase the sorrow from Legolas's heart. Oh, he knew the golden Prince would never forget Aragorn, and he hoped the Healer would be prepared for moments of sorrow and regret, but eventually, those would pass, and Legolas would learn to be comfortable with his new love and his new life.

Now, all he'd have to do was find a way to keep those meddlesome twins from interfering.

Well, Gimli thought with a grin, at least for a little while. He doubted even he could keep the brats under control for long. He'd never met a more insatiable pair in his life, but they were good to have around in order to keep spirits from faltering.

As Gimli neared the entrance to Valimar, he paused, his eyes growing momentarily blind at the vision that awaited him.

"My Lady," he said, falling down on one knee, and the Lady Galadriel smiled, placing a hand on the Dwarf's head.

"Welcome to Valinor, Gimli, son of Gloin, and Elf-friend."

"I cannot begin to describe the joy it brings my heart to once more find myself in your presence, my Lady."

Laughing softly to herself, Galadriel raised Gimli to his feet. "Please join me, Master Dwarf, and allow me to be the first to welcome you to your new home. I know your discomfort at the thought of living in trees, so we've made you a house on the ground, one near Legolas's. I assume he will be joining us soon?"

The Dwarf's cheeks grew pink as he thought on the Prince's current actions. "He and that Healer are. . . getting reacquainted."

"Of course," she said with a secret smile. "I am glad to hear it."

"So am I. Thank you, my Lady," he continued, "for your thoughtfulness. This isn't like any home I've ever known, but I do not doubt I will be comfortable here."

"If there is anything you need, Master Dwarf, please ask."

"You are too kind, my Lady," he said, inclining his head, "but I cannot think of anything I would need beyond an occasional glimpse of your beauty."

"Not even a forge?" she asked, then laughed as the Dwarf's eyes lit up. "Come, Master Gimli, let me show what we've done, and you must tell me if it meets with your approval."

"Of that, I do not doubt," the Dwarf said, blushing with pleasure that the Lady would be so concerned with his comfort.

Hours passed before Legolas and Menelhen joined Gimli, and years before Elrohir and Elladan arrived. By then, the ancient Dwarf welcomed the change in company, and the twins, along with happy couple, kept him entertained until the end of his days. He would gift them with wonders worked in metal, and they would thank him with laughter and love. Though Gimli continued to treat them all with the same gruff and seemingly reluctant affection he always had, they weren't fooled for an instant, and treated the Dwarf as part of their family.

When the day finally came that the remaining mortal member of the Fellowship breathed his last, a shadow passed over the city and all the Elves of the Undying Lands mourned Gimli's passing. Legolas and Galadriel presided over his funeral, with Menelhen, Elladan, Elrohir, and their father, Elrond, next in line to pay their respects to one who had helped save Middle-Earth, and who had since brought much joy to Valinor.

Once Gimli had been laid to rest, and the fires of his forge had been cooled forever, once his tiny home at the base of the tree was closed to all living creatures, Legolas vanished into the woods, needing time alone to help ease the pain of his heart. There he remembered each member of the Fellowship, though his thoughts lingered most of all on his closet and dearest friend Gimli, and his beloved Estel.

"I don't know how, my love, but I have found a way to live without you. Your absence is a constant ache inside of me, but in spite of that, it seems I will go on."

Heaving a great sigh, Legolas stared up through the trees to the stars beyond.

"I miss you, my friends, all of you. Your friendship, our Fellowship, has been the most important thing to ever happen to me.

"Gimli, look after them as only you can, as you have always looked after me. Keep the Hobbits from getting into too much trouble, though I know you will have Boromir to help you with that. That was always your greatest calling, Warrior of Gondor, to care for and fight for those you love, and you have succeeded beyond all expectations.

"Gandalf, your time here has passed and I know not where you are, but I pray that you, too, have found your place amongst our friends, and are keeping them company with kind guidance and a twinkle in your eye.

"Dear Hobbits, you with your generous hearts and spirited ways, you are unexpected lights in the existence of this world, and I hope you continue to shine that light in the next. You graciously shared your loyalty, your bravery, and your endless joy with me, and for that, I thank you.

"My beloved Estel, though you have many to look after now, I know you will keep our Fellowship close, loving them as they love you, as I love you, as I will continue to love you. Your loss has meant more to me than they may know, but it eases my heart to believe that they are there to care for you as I cannot."

Legolas was silent for a moment as tears crushed his throat, his heart swelling with sorrow, but he fought it all back to say these final words.

"My dear friends, I wish that I could join you, for you are all together now--Gimli, Boromir, Merry, Pippin, Sam, Frodo, Gandalf, Aragorn. It is only I who am missing, but know I will carry you with me forever in my heart. I love you all."

Tears streaming down his face, the eyes of the golden Prince continued to gaze at the stars until the rising sun dimmed the sparkling lights from his view. A smile crossed his face as the last remaining star shined down on him with a glorious blaze, and he felt the love of the Fellowship reaching out to him.

"Namarië," he whispered, sending his love back, and closing his eyes, he allowed the rays of dawn to take them from his sight forever.

*****

The words to the song that leads Legolas to the tomb are by Tolkien and mean "Out of the Great Sea to Middle-earth I am come. In this place will I abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world." Though not used as a song in Return of the King, the book, they are used as a song, sung by Viggo, in Return of the King, the movie.

*****

THE END

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