Disclaimer: I own Legolas, Aragorn, and all things Lord of the Rings. No, not really, but in my wonderful world of make-believe I do. So ha ha ha ha ha!... I need to get some help... and you all need to review.

Stuff You Should Know: The first part of this takes place a few years after the ring was destroyed. Aragorn is visiting Legolas in Northern Mirkwood. The second part takes place way in the future in Gondor. Oh, I also don't have a beta, so don't be cruel if you find mistakes.

Hope

While resting in my spot of solitude, I hear the slightest footsteps and know that I am not alone. I know that you're not aware of my presence, you have to have the sharpest eyes possible to spot a ranger, even if you are an elf. In my tree I can see your father, the King's, entire garden, which is one of your favorite spots. The moon moves out from under the clouds, and I see that you have settled yourself on the brim of the fountain.

The light of the moon highlights your golden hair, but it also highlights the tears that have made their way down your face. It pains me to see your fair, elven face cast into a mask of sadness. I can hear your sobs; they are louder then your words, crying that you have lost all that you loved.

"You cry, my Prince?" I ask, as I hear his voice catch and he snaps his head my way.

"I did," he said, wiping his tears from his pale white face, "but no longer. I have wasted enough tears for the unreachable."

"Ah, but was in unreachable for you, Legolas?" I asked as I jumped down from my tree. "Becoming King? A fair maiden perhaps?"

"Love," he answers me, and I can hear frustration in his quiet, sad voice. "I will move on to Valinor without knowing love."

My friend's answer startles me, for I never known Legolas to dwell on such matters.

"Legolas, you are both fair and strong, finding a partner should know be a difficult task for you." I paused. "When shall you depart for the west my friend, I wish not to see you go."

"I won't leave your side, I swore my bow to you at your coronation. I will not leave these shores until Eldarion becomes Kings."

I knew he meant when I died.

"Will you not watch over my son?" I asked.

"Nay, I can't," he answered. "The time of the elves is over and I stay as the rest leave." He looked to the sky. "And now I have lost my chance at holding Hope." He turned and left the garden. "Namarie Estel."

"Namarie mellon nin." (Farewell, my friend)

A few..... a lot of years later.

It wasn't until I was dying that I realized he meant me. He stood next to Arwen, my wife, giving her strength as I started to fade. She was crying uncontrollably, silent tears were making the way down the golden prince's face too.

"Undomiel," I whispered quietly. "Be strong for me and Eldarion, he needs your support." Her sobbing grew louder until she had to be lead from the room.

"Legolas," I asked as he approached my bedside. "Will you not stay to watch over my wife and son?"

"Nay I cannot," he gave me the same answer as all those years before. "Beleth na Estel."(hope is fading)

"Then promise me to never forget anything we have wrought together on Middle Earth?"

"I could never forget you Estel, mellon nin(my friend). Nailye Vardauva tíro(may Varda watch over you)."

I looked up at him and saw fear in his eyes. My time was passing and he didn't want me to leave.

"Aurë entuluva(day will come again)," I said as my last words. "Utuvlye vinya Estel." (You will find new hope)

"Úim. (I won't) There was only you to begin with."

My world started going black, but it was then that I knew he had always loved me, all these years.

"Namarie, mel nin." (Good bye, my love)