*This is a stupid story that I just felt like writing. It is just an alternate ending for Legolas(not that he had a real ending in the first place), that I made up. It's more like a crossover than anything. Also, I do not own Legolas, nor do I own Gimli. This is my first experience with writing for pleasure, so I'm not getting my hopes up that people will like it. Actually, I'm not sure I like it half of the time!*

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Part 1: Gimli, Son of Gloin's Passing

"Long have I lived, Legolas, and far have I traveled. It is sad that my journey ends here." said Gimli, son of Gloin. "But if I could choose, I would not change my life. For you, my friend, are here with me."

Legolas's delicately handsome face was sorrowful as he kneeled next to the bed of his dying friend. He was the only one there, for the other Elves did not view Gimli as a friend, but as a greedy Dwarf. Only Legolas was inside the cabin, and the other Elves were out tending to the ship.

"Alas, Gimli! I would give up my bow if it would give you the immortality of my people." said Legolas.

Gimli smiled, and there was a gleam in the Dwarf's eyes.

"I do not doubt you," said Gimli. "Elves are magical folk, but seldom can they control the lives that are lost. But do not grieve for me! Two hundred and seventy six is years enough for a Dwarf."

Gimli brought a pipe to his lips, and thin white smoke curled up from his lips. Legolas almost smiled as he shook his head.

"Dwarves are indeed strange folk. Here you are, on your deathbed, yet you have enough strength to smoke!" said Legolas.

"A Dwarf is never to weak for a handful of pipeweed, Legolas." said Gimli. "And I am no exception."

"Never have I seen someone so cheerful at their life's end."

"I am thankful for the life which I have led, even if I will never see the Lady of the Golden Wood again. Otherwise, I have no regrets. Farewell, Legolas Greenleaf of the Elves, my friend!"

Then Gimli's face seemed to soften, and his breathing became slower and slower, until an hour later, it stopped completely. His hands rested at his sides, and the little whispy curls of smoke had ceased coming from the pipe. For a moment to Legolas's eyes it looked as if the Dwarf was merely peacefully sleeping, but in his heart he knew it was wishful thinkinig.

He bowed his head, and his golden hair fell over his shoulders. He remained at his friend's side in silence for several hours. Then he slowly rose from his position and stood staring at the stout Dwarf's face that was durrounded by white and silver hair. He turned and walked towards the door of the cabin, seeming to lack the grace he usually had. Before he exited he turned his head to give one last long glance at Gimli. A single silver tear began to run down his cheek.

"Farewell...my friend."

Then he opened the wooden door and stepped out of the cabin, never to see Gimli's proud face ever again.

End Part 1

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*Well, it's a start but I only wrote it to have a reason for Legolas to leave and get on with a strange adventure. Seems kinda sad for a beginning. I liked Gimli, he was cool. See? It's just as I said, even I don't like it half of the time!*