Chapter Thirty-Six

Three days later, the vision Legolas saw in the mirror took place. He sat astride Snowmane with Haehithien seated in front of him. He tried not to laugh as Haldir and Orophin tried to help Gimli mount a bay gelding named Enedome'dae. Gimli was swearing the entire time and Enedome'dae was shifting nervously making things worse. "If Dwarves were meant to ride horses," Gimli muttered as he tried to find his balance. "Then we would have longer legs!" When Gimli was finally securely astride his mount, they said their good-byes to the Elves of Lothlorien and started their journey to Legolas' home in Mirkwood.

Legolas was glad the trip back home was not rushed. He had more time with both his friend Gimli and Haehithien. Their journey ended after just over a month. Legolas heart sank when he heard the call go up on their approach the send word to Thranduil and Lady Eletharanna that Prince Legolas had returned. "You never told me you were a Prince," Haehithien whispered without turning to face him.

"Would it have made a difference?" he asked and she shook her head. They continued to ride in silence for another mile.

"Be brave lad," Gimli said in an attempt to lighten his friend's heart. "You must keep hope."

His father was there at the bridge to meet them. Legolas tried to smile, but his heart was too heavy. An Elf Maiden with long dark hair was beside him. "Welcome home my son," Thranduil greeted him and Legolas nodded. "Who are your companions?"

Legolas dismounted and helped Haehithien down then went and lightly lifted the Dwarf to the ground. "This is Gimli, son of Gloin," Legolas answered then returned to Haehithien and placed his hands on her shoulders. "And this is Haehithien."

"How dare you do this!" Thranduil seethed moments later when he and Legolas were alone after seeing to the comfort of Haehithien and Gimli.

"What?" Legolas stormed. "Fall in love? How dare you order that I marry someone just to ensure strong ties to the High Elves!"

The door creaked open than banged shut "Enough!" a woman's voice sounded through the hall. "Thranduil, King of Mirkwood, I did not come here to accompany Legolas back to Valinor to assure our marriage!"

Legolas and his father looked at her in surprise. "You didn't?" Legolas asked dumbfounded and his father echoed his question.

"No," Eletharanna said more calmly. "I did not. You see, Legolas, initially, that is why I came to Middle Earth, but on my journey here, my heart also became another's. His name is Glorfindel; I met him in Rivendell on my way here. Since your father cannot release you from his promise, I have come here to do so. Glorfindel and I are returning to Valinor together. I hope that you will decide to join us as a friend and journey there with us."

Legolas could not have been happier at that moment. His father stood there dumbfounded. Legolas leaned over and grasped Eletharanna's shoulders. "I am truly happy for you, my Lady," he said with a smile then kissed her lightly on the cheek. "Now, if you'll both excuse me," he drawled. "There is someone I have to see." With that he turned and quickly left the hall.

Once he was out of sight, he ran off to Haehithien's room. Too excited to knock, he threw open the door and saw her talking with Gimli. Both looked up at him as he swept into the room. Legolas reached down and swept Haehithien off her feet and spun her around smiling happily. "Oh, my love," he cried. "My beautiful flower, we have done it! I am free!" He sat her on her feet once more and bent down to kiss her.

"Free?" Gimli asked gruffly. "You mean you do not have to wed the dark haired maiden any longer?" Legolas looked over at him and grinning, shook his head. "See!" Gimli said proudly. "I told ye not to fret."

"B-but how?" Haehithien asked confused. "I though there was no way out of it."

"She released me from my father's promise," Legolas said smiling. "She said she had met some one too."

"Oh she has now, has she?" Gimli asked laughing. "And just who is the poor soul?"

"Glorfindel," Legolas said and he and Gimli laughed heartily out loud.

"Who is he?" Haehithien asked when they stopped long enough to answer.

"He's one that believes he is King though that is in his own imagination," Legolas answered with a laugh.

"That's him all right," Gimli added. "They'll make a charming pair."

Three months later, Gimli, Haehithien and Legolas stood on the pier at The Grey Havens along with King Thranduil, Glorfindel, Eletharanna and the Elves of Mirkwood. Gimli had accompanied the Elves to the harbor to prolong his farewell a little longer, not wishing to part from the company of his friend.

Everyone was getting on board and only Haehithien and Legolas remained with Gimli. "My friend," Legolas said kneeling before the Dwarf who looked at him in surprise. "I do not wish to say farewell." Legolas stood then and walked a short distance away toward Haehithien. He turned to look over his shoulder then with a smile. "There is room for one more…" he said and trailed off.

Gimli's face lit up in with a smile. "Y-you mean?" Gimli stuttered as tears welled up in his eyes.

Legolas nodded with a smile and extended his hand. Gimli jumped up and ran to his friend who knelt and embraced him in a hug. When he rose, he ushered the Dwarf forward as Haehithien slid into his arms. Together the trio boarded the last ship leaving The Grey Havens and looked forward to their new life together in the eternal lands of the Valar. She smiled as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as he rested his head on her shoulder. She held his hands over her stomach with a smile. He had one more surprise coming, but that would keep until they reached their new home. She smiled at the thought of his face when she told him the news…she was going to have a baby.