Legolas, Gimli, and I were touching up the gardens of the castle. They needed a lot of care, and Legolas and I were trying to go places that Dwarves wouldn't like. Unfortunately, Gimli managed to find us wherever we went-tower, hall, courtyard, or garden.

The Dwarf didn't care for the plants, but he still followed us as we walked around, even going so far as to make an attempt at weeding.

"Mithrellas," Legolas murmured under his breath as Gimli sweated over a stubborn dandelion. "I was just wondering if… perhaps… you would want to come to Mirkwood with me?"

"I would be honored, Legolas," I squeaked. The Dwarf glanced over at us, but otherwise kept tugging at his weed.

Legolas smiled brightly. "Good! I've spent so long away from the forest. I can't wait to return! And it would be a much happier homecoming if you were there with me."

I opened my mouth to say something, but Gimli rose and waddled towards us.

"I have decided to go to the Dwarf cities," Gimli sighed. "I leave this afternoon."

Legolas' mouth dropped open in dismay. After a moment, he closed his mouth and nodded sadly. "I shall miss you, my friend."

"And I shall miss you," Gimli snuffled gruffly, his eyes suspiciously bright.

Turning to me, he took my hand. "I shall miss you as well, my fair Elf maiden."

I blushed. "And I you, Gimli."

I hoped he wasn't going to ask for a hair off my head like he did with Galadriel. That would be extremely awkward. However, he simply squeezed my hand and let it drop.

"I had planned to leave today as well. Come, let's go and tell King Elessar." Legolas turned away from the gardens, and I followed at his side; the Dwarf pushed in between us. I inwardly rolled my eyes, but did not protest.

I walked in between Gimli and Legolas as they enter the castle.

"Fetch King Elessar. We wish to speak with him," Legolas said to a servant.

"Wait here." Then human slipped inside the throne room and shut the door, though I could hear what he was saying with my Elven hearing.

"Presenting Prince Legolas of Mirkwood, Gimli son of Gloin, and Lady Mithrellas of Lothlorien," the servant announced. The King replied, but his low voice was muffled by the walls.

The human opened the door and beckoned us in.

I curtsied, Legolas bowing his head and touching his heart, and Gimli nodding in greeting.

"Rise and come forward," the King called.

I straightened to see Aragorn and Erica standing hand in hand at the bottom of the steps that led to the throne.

"Welcome, friends," Aragorn said warmly. "What is it that brings you here?"

"Mithrellas and I are leaving for Mirkwood this evening," Legolas explained.

"And I shall depart for the Dwarf Cities," Gimli added.

"So soon? I had hoped you would stay longer. I will miss you, my friends," he sighed. "May you all go with the goodwill of Men. Farewell."

Erica smiled at me, and I sadly returned it.

Aragorn embraced Gimli and Legolas, then the three of us bowed (Well, I curtsied. Obviously.) and left the hall.

"We should go pack. Should we meet in the stables before they serve dinner?" Legolas suggested.

I nodded, as did Gimli. Returning to my room, I packed my mirror, some dresses, my bow and arrows, and my dagger. I realized that Sydney had never given me my other dagger back, but it didn't matter. She could have it; hopefully it would remind her of me. After I had finished, I donned my traveling cloak and hurried out of my room. I waved to Olivia and Faramir on my way down the hallway.

"Legolas and I are leaving for Mirkwood," I explained sorrowfully.

She hugged me. "I'll miss you."

Faramir looked mildly surprised, but didn't say anything. I didn't blame him; not many people in Gondor even knew that we knew each other. I disentangled myself from her embrace and continued to the stables with my bag.

Legolas was waiting for me with Arod and Lindir, to my surprise.

"What are you doing in here?" I cried, glancing around the stalls. Thankfully, there were no humans that looked like they had been mauled by a horse.

"I brought him in here for you," he smiled.

"Oh, why thank you!" I giggled at Lindir's pinned ears and bared teeth.

We mounted and rode through the city gates, heading north to Mirkwood. We joked and laughed, though I knew we were both sad to leave our friends behind.