Lindir (51)

Lindir had served Elrond and in turn his sons and daughter. He'd never been prepared for Arwen's death, though.

Her sickroom bound his chest and heard, suddenly making it hard to breathe and move. Stiffness bridged everything, and Elrond stood, wavering on his feet.

Lindir went to his side, bearing him to a large chair. Sitting, Elrond sighed. "You must care for her while she visits, wake me when all have left." The River King told the young girl that had summoned and brought Lindir.

She bowed her head, and Elrond fell into a deep sleep.

"Lindir." He heard his voice being called out softly. He went to the bed, and found Arwen laying still, her face more pale than usual.

"Can you open the doors to the river side?"

Lindir nodded, and did so. The queen sighed as the sound of the outside world flew in and surrounded her. Those sounds always comforted Lindir, too.

"How are you, M'lady?" Lindir asked, standing close to her bed.

"Well." Arwen replied, smiling slightly, holding her hand out. Lindir took it, and at her urging helped Arwen to sit.

"I am glad to hear it." Lindir had been with Elrond through thick and thin for many years. That had included the death of his wife, the meeting of Aragorn, Arwen coming to womanhood, seeing her first vision, falling in love, losing her immortality for Aragorn, then her finally leaving home.

Over the years, word had come. The birth of her child, who of her friends had come recently.

Memories assaulted Lindir, grabbing on and never letting go. Arwen had done so many things. Somehow, even though he did not have the gift of foresight, knew that this would be the last thing Arwen would truly do.

And he was afraid of good bye.

Arwen grasped his hand, and Lindir sat down on her bed next to her.

"So many memories. I wouldn't forget you, Lindir." Arwen smiled. "You have aided my father, seen off the company held by my lover, seen me halfway to the end of Middle Earth, and came back with me, despite all the danger and death you faced.

"You are loyal to my father, and I must ask one thing of you, before I go.

"And go, I must.

"My time runs out, but I need to look after my friends, Aragorn and Legolas, and Gimili, when you can. And my father will need you most when I am gone from this world.

"I ask you to help my father wage the war for all those who can't, the hobbits and such, and to fight for Rivendell.

"I ask you to remind him how he shall die, for die in Middle Earth he must to save the elves of Rivendell."

"Yes, Arwen Evenstar." Lindir whispered.

"I thank you. One more favor I must ask. The benches at the end of this hall. Will you stay until my time is ended?

"And if you see him, will you send my son up to me, or at least tell me of him?"

"Yes." Lindir replied.

Arwen smiled. That was her last smile towards him.

"Then take your leave of me, Lindir Halfelven."

As Lindir walked to the benches to look out for her son, he realized that was the last words Arwen would ever say to him. The last smile she ever gave him hovered on the edge of his mind, and tears sprang to his eyes.

He turned back around, looking down the hall at Gimili being led to the chamber.

"Goodbye, Arwen Evenstar." Lindir bowed his head and laid his closed fist on his breast. "Farewell, my queen."