A lone Elf walked silently through the woods; his only companion was his shadow. From above, an assassin watched. Tears spilled from the Elf's eyes and melted into the snow at his feet. His hair blew in the wind, and his face was set. When the assassin dropped before him, he did not flinch.
"Man sâd telil?" The assassin frowned.
"None of your business." The Elf shuddered.
"Gwanno ereb nin!" The Elf turned around and tried to run. The assassin barred his way.
"I don't think I shall." The Elf turned back.
"What do you want?" he asked in the common tongue, his voice broken and lost. The assassin smiled.
"Your life." The assassin pulled the Elf into the light and twisted his arm behind his back. He did not cry out. The assassin pulled off her hood.
"It cannot be," the Elf breathed. The assassin smirked.
"I have come for your life," she repeated. "Whether you will give it to me or not." The Elf twisted around to look at the woman. He smiled wearily.
"I am tired, and alone. You can do what you will to me. But I shall be avenged. My friends will find me."
"You say you are alone, and yet your friends will avenge you. Make up your mind."
"I am alone." The assassin grinned.
"Very well then." She released the Elf, who stood his ground. Her sword rose and found its mark. The Elf fell to the earth, gasping. The snow beneath him was stained red, and the tips of his blonde hair became dark with blood. The assassin turned and ran into the trees.
"Legolas!" a voice called. "Legolas! Where are you?" A man burst into the clearing, followed closely by a dwarf. "Legolas," the man breathed.
"Aragorn." Legolas lifted his head. Aragorn dropped to his knees. With one hand, he stroked the Elf's hair. Blood dripped from the wound on the Elf's chest.
"We can save you. We'll get you back to Rivendell. Lord Elrond will help." Legolas shook his head weakly.
"No. I am not afraid of death. It is but the next adventure. I am not meant to live any longer." His eyes fluttered shut. "Goheno nin." He sighed, and was still.
"Rest, my friend," Aragorn murmured, gazing sadly at the Elf, whose deep blue eyes were lost and vacant. He reached forward and closed them gently. "Rest and have peace."
A/N: Goheno nin- Forgive me
