Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created.

Mirkwood's Plague II:

Aftermath

Chapter 29 ~ Last Night

~*~

It didn't take long to find the Lord of Rivendell in the conference hall, sitting at the table, rifling through various papers. Glorfindel entered and closed the door behind him. "Can I talk to you?" he asked abruptly, startling Elrond from his thoughts.

Recovering himself, Elrond said, "Of course."

"How much closer are we to having Mirkwood sorted out?"

Elrond frowned slightly at this. "Closer but it's going to take some time."

"Time," Glorfindel repeated, pacing back and forth in front of the table. "He doesn't have time," he said almost to himself.

"Who? Legolas?" Elrond asked. "Is he alright? Did something happen?"

"No," Glorfindel continued to pace in front of the now confused Elrond. "Can everything be made ready within the week?" he finally asked, stopping his movement for a while.

"One week? I don't know. Maybe but we'll be pushed. We still have to…"

"Do whatever you need to but Legolas and I are leaving in one week's time. Even if it's not ready by then, lie to him."

"Glorfindel…"

"He's slipping, Elrond. He won't admit to it but he's…I feel like I'm losing him and I won't let that happen. He desperately wants to leave but he feels obligated to stay."

"Then we should let him stay for as long as he needs to," Elrond argued.

"It's killing him being here. You know it as well as I do."

"You can't rush this transition."

"One week and we're leaving," Glorfindel stated firmly. Leaving the conference hall, Glorfindel went straight back to Legolas' rooms, giving Elrond the space to consider his seneschal's words. Glorfindel sat down on the bed, watching the younger Elf sleeping soundly for long moments. After a while, he leant down and placed a gentle kiss on the blonde's pale cheek. This disturbed Legolas and he opened his bleary blue eyes to find Glorfindel looking down at him.

"Glorfindel? What's wrong?" the king asked, slight urgency tainting his voice at the possibility that Glorfindel was here to deliver bad news.

"Shh, shh, nothing's wrong, stay where you are," Glorfindel said softly, gently pushing Legolas back down as he tried to lever himself up. Legolas didn't protest at this and lay back down, looking up at his friend. "I didn't mean to wake you. I was just checking on you, that's all."

"Oh," Legolas sighed.

Glorfindel started stroking Legolas' hair back, knowing it calmed the young Elf. "How are you feeling?" the seneschal asked.

Legolas let his eyes drift closed and shook his head softly. However, he smiled faintly when he looked back up at his love. "I really couldn't tell you," he answered truthfully.

The seneschal smiled softly. "That's alright, you'll feel better soon. It'll all be better soon." Legolas nodded, his eyes fluttering closed once more. Glorfindel watched him for a moment and whispered, "I love you so much."

Legolas smiled softly and said, "I love you too." When he sensed the seneschal's melancholy, however, he opened his eyes and asked, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Glorfindel assured. "Don't worry about me." Legolas nodded, smiling gently at this. "Can…can I lie with you for a while?" the seneschal asked quietly, almost sounding like Legolas had done earlier – pleading for a positive answer.

In fact, Legolas seemed surprised by the request. "Of course," he answered, shifting over slightly so Glorfindel could lie beside him. The seneschal did so, pulling Legolas into his arms and the king lay against him, his head resting on Glorfindel's chest with the captain's fingers stroking through his hair.

"It's nice. Just lying here with nothing to do," the captain said after a while.

"Easy for you to say," Legolas mumbled, his eyes flicking over to the desk, on which remained an alarmingly tall pile of papers he still had to work through.

"Don't worry about any of that," Glorfindel sighed, glancing down. "You should go back to sleep." He received no argument from Legolas, who shifted so he was more comfortable against Glorfindel and closed his eyes. It didn't take long for the king to fall back to sleep, feeling safe and protected in Glorfindel's embrace and truth be told it was good for Glorfindel as well. Having Legolas so close by was comforting. He closed his eyes and relished this time they had together on Middle Earth. He couldn't say he wasn't looking forward to living an eternity in peace with the person he loved. He would miss Middle Earth and, despite what he said, Glorfindel knew that Legolas would miss it too. Still, once they were in Aman everything would be alright. It had to be because things couldn't get much worse for Legolas in Mirkwood right now.

~*~

"What do you think?" Legolas asked Elrond once more, watching the Elven Lord closely as he looked through the king's final council choices.

"As I have already said, it is your decision, not mine, but I think they are good choices. What do you think of them?"

"I don't know," Legolas sighed. "They're all good people."

"Then you are satisfied with them?" Elrond asked gently and Legolas nodded. He seemed distracted though and Elrond instinctively knew what he was thinking. "A group of twelve politicians will never rule the kingdom in the same way as you or your father but they will rule it well. And Lord Celeborn will keep them in check," the Imladrian Lord assured.

For a moment, Legolas was silent but then he finally voiced what had been bothering him for weeks. "Am I doing the right thing, Elrond?" he asked quietly.

This was the question Elrond had been both expecting and dreading. "I can't answer that, mellon nin. I wish I could. Only you can be certain of that." Legolas sighed in disappointment. He had been hoping for a better answer. "I am sorry, Legolas."

The king smiled gently. "I just can't help thinking that…" Legolas cut himself off.

"What?" Elrond prompted him to continue.

"I can't help thinking that Ada would be so disappointed in me," Legolas whispered, his eyes drifting down to the table. "He left me with one job: to rule Mirkwood in his stead and I have failed him. I'm giving away something he worked hard all his life to build. My brother would have been king. He would have sacrificed his life for his people and I cannot. I am the weak link in the chain."

"You are not a weak link, Legolas. And I believe your father would have been very proud of the decisions you have made. To walk away is sometimes harder than staying and struggling through."

"I wish I had your confidence."

"You will." Legolas smiled weakly. "As for your brother's sacrifice – I can't think of a greater one than you have already made. Look at what you have done for your people. No one could ask more of you. You have sacrificed enough for Arda, not just in Mirkwood but during the war as well. You deserve to rest now," Elrond said gently, looking deep into Legolas' eyes. "I don't want you worrying about the kingdom when you're gone. It will be well taken care of. There are plenty of people to make certain everything runs smoothly. Everyone will be taken care of, you have my word."

Legolas cleared his throat and smiled. "Thank you, Elrond. For everything."

"I haven't really done anything."

"You've done a lot."

"As have you. It's time to move on. Let go. You can be certain that Mirkwood will be fine in your absence. Go and rest now. It will be a long day for you tomorrow." Legolas nodded and stood up. "And, Legolas, I think these are the perfect choices. They will run Mirkwood well."

"Thank you. Goodnight."

"Sleep well, mellon nin."

Legolas went straight back to his rooms, his haven. He wasn't surprised to find Glorfindel in the lounge, throwing unwanted books onto the table, frustration creasing his fair features. Whilst Legolas had thrown all his remaining energy, of which there was very little left, into choosing the final twelve who would effectively run Mirkwood, Glorfindel had been concentrating on preparations for their leaving, including packing Legolas' things. Unfortunately, he himself had very few possessions with him as they remained in Mirkwood. Still, once they reached the Grey Havens they wouldn't need much at all. Everything they would need would be provided for them in the Undying Lands for them.

"There you are," Glorfindel said when he looked up and spotted Legolas watching him. "Did Elrond approve of your choices?"

"Yes," Legolas said with a small smile.

Glorfindel abandoned his book cull and stood up to greet Legolas. "Good. Then there's nothing left for you to do." He wrapped his arms around Legolas' waist and looked into Legolas' beautiful blue eyes. "I'm glad. That list was beginning to make me crazy," he smiled.

"I know but it was important that I do it properly."

"I understand," Glorfindel sighed softly, his hands moving up to Legolas' back. "But I'm still glad it's over and we can leave." As usual over the past few days whenever Glorfindel mentioned them leaving Middle Earth, Legolas got a far-off look in his eye and went strangely quiet and this was no exception. "You're not having second thoughts about going, are you?"

"What? No. No, of course not," Legolas answered. "I just…I don't know…I haven't even left yet and I miss Mirkwood. When I think of what this kingdom was, what it could have been had none of this ever happened…I just wish there was someone here who could tell me I am doing the right thing."

Their eyes locked and Glorfindel said, "You're doing the right thing."

Although Legolas smiled, he didn't look convinced. "Thank you, but I didn't mean from you."

"You're thinking of your father?"

Legolas nodded. "Every time I think of leaving I think I'm leaving my father." He chuckled at his own confession. "That sounds crazy, I know."

"No, it doesn't. It doesn't sound crazy. Of course you miss your father. It's only been a couple of months since his death. Stop being so hard on yourself, you're still grieving. It will take some time. But if you're not ready for this then we can wait for as long as you need."

The king considered this for a moment but then he forced a weak smile on his face. "No, I want to go. I have made up my mind and I will stick to it."

"Alright."

"One thing. Tomorrow, I want to leave early, no ceremony or ritual. I don't want a fuss."

"No ceremony? Well, Elrond and Celeborn will be disappointed but I can't think of a better way to leave," Glorfindel smiled and Legolas joined him. "For tonight, however, it's just me and you and for the first time in days we have nothing to do."

Legolas glanced over at the piles of books in the lounge. "Don't you have packing to do?" he asked.

"It is a hopeless cause, I think. There's no way all of this is fitting into two backpacks," Glorfindel laughed and Legolas smiled. The seneschal leaned in and kissed Legolas softly and the younger Elf melted into the kiss. "I have a plan to pass the night away."

"Oh?"

"Bath and bed," Glorfindel suggested.

"That does sound like a plan."

"Good."

"Except…" Legolas pulled back before their lips to meet again. "Except, I think bed first."

"Oh, really?" Glorfindel breathed suggestively.

Legolas smiled weakly at this and corrected, "I meant that I'm tired."

"Oh." The seneschal seemed a little deflated at this and let his arms drop down to his sides in what could only be called disappointment. He shrugged it off though, thinking that Legolas had every right to request this. "Of course. Yes, you should rest," he said, quickly trying to recover himself.

"Glorfindel, don't be angry."

"I'm not angry." Glorfindel's face softened as he said this. "We have an eternity together. I can wait another night. For now you should rest." Legolas now looked concerned that he had truly offended his companion so Glorfindel assured him, "It's fine. You're exhausted and you should sleep. Go on. I'll finish packing."

"Are you sure?" Legolas asked tentatively.

Glorfindel placed his hands on Legolas' arms and smiled softly. "Don't worry about me, alright? Worry about yourself. If you're tired, go to sleep." Legolas smiled and nodded and allowed Glorfindel to lead him into the bedroom. The seneschal pulled the curtains closed and Legolas lay down on the bed, immediately closing his eyes. Glorfindel placed a gentle kiss on Legolas' forehead before walking on soft feet out of the bedroom and leaving Legolas to sleep in peace. He wasn't upset at the brush-off. He knew Legolas was exhausted. He must have been after everything that had happened and surely he deserved one final night of peace on Middle Earth. It was a lot for him to process and these past few days had taken a lot out of him, more than he would like to admit. Sighing softly, Glorfindel sat back down beside his piles of books and continued sorting again. At least it gave him something to do.

An hour or so later a knock at the door startled Glorfindel from his musings about his future. He got up and opened the door to find Elrond outside.

"My Lord," the seneschal greeted, bowing slightly even though he knew it wasn't really necessary anymore. Under the circumstances, he had resigned his position as seneschal of Imladris.

"I was hoping you and Legolas would join us for dinner. Nothing big; I know Legolas doesn't want that, just a few close friends."

"I can ask him. I'm sure he'll want to. He's sleeping right now though," Glorfindel explained.

"Really? I'm surprised. He seemed a little wound up earlier."

"I think he's just a little overwhelmed. I didn't like to argue with him over it," the Elda admitted.

"Probably for the best."

"I must admit it's good to see him a little rested for a change," Elrond smiled. "Anyway, we'll be in the Great Hall if you two feel like joining us."

"Thank you." Elrond patted Glorfindel on the shoulder and left him alone. Sighing, Glorfindel closed the door and went straight to the bedroom. Legolas was still sleeping soundly but as this was the last time they would all be together, Glorfindel placed his hand on Legolas' arm, calling his name. When Legolas' eyes opened they were obviously dazed and Glorfindel smiled down at him. "Sorry to wake you but Elrond had organised a…gathering in the Great Hall, nothing big, just close friends. If you feel up to it we could stop by, even if only for a few minutes."

Legolas blinked up at him and Glorfindel couldn't help but smile. "What?" he asked sleepily.

"Elrond. Party. The Great Hall."

Legolas pulled himself up into a sitting position. "A party?" he asked, rubbing his tired eyes.

"A gathering," Glorfindel clarified. "Come on, just a few minutes."

"Right," Legolas yawned. Glorfindel helped him up and handed him some appropriate clothing.

"Put these on. We'll get this done then go back to bed. Back to sleep," Glorfindel corrected himself with a grin and Legolas actually managed to force a smile onto his face. He pulled the clean leggings and tunic on and quickly tidied himself up in front of the bathroom mirror. He didn't look great but it wasn't so important to look perfect in front of his friends. They wouldn't care. Glorfindel smiled at him when he came back into the bedroom and he was surprised to see the Elda dressed in his best clothes.

"You look amazing," he complimented.

Although Glorfindel was a little surprised by this unexpected comment but smiled nonetheless. "Thank you," he smiled. "So do you."

"Liar but thank you."

Glorfindel took him in his arms again. "You look perfect to me." Legolas smiled briefly, burying his face in the other Elf's blue tunic. "Come on, melleth nin. Party then sleep."

"Right."

They walked arm in arm together down the corridor, meeting the occasional maid or servant along the way and Legolas nodded politely to them. When they reached the Great Hall, Legolas was surprised to find only a handful of people milling around. All the remaining Fellowship were there, as well as Elrond, Arwen, Celeborn, Galadriel and the twins. Elrond's parties were not known for being quiet gatherings, particularly for his friends, but he actually seemed to have managed it this time, no doubt for Legolas' sake more than anything.

"Legolas!" the twins exclaimed in unison, alerting everyone to their entrance. "We're so glad you could make it," Elrohir enthused.

"Thank you," Glorfindel grinned at the fact that they hadn't mentioned his presence yet.

"Good to see you too, Glorfindel," Elladan added.

"Legolas," Elrond called the king over and Legolas gladly joined him, leaving the twins to chat to Glorfindel. Given that it may well be the last time they saw their old friend and tutor, the twins were remarkably cheerful, for which their father was grateful. "So how are you feeling?" he asked Legolas when they reached the table full of food.

Legolas smiled at him, knowing there was no point in lying to Elrond now. "Tired. Nervous."

The healer patted him on the back and said, "No need to be nervous." Again, Legolas smiled weakly. "Really, there's no need to be nervous. It's all very simple." The king nodded. "Let me know if you need anything, alright? Anything at all."

"Thank you."

Although things were a little strained between Legolas and Galadriel who was still not too pleased with his decision, the king enjoyed himself for the most part. Glorfindel stayed close to him in case he needed support for which he was grateful. The twins kept everyone's spirits up with their amusing banter and the Hobbits performed a fair few Shire drinking songs for their entertainment, leaving most of the Elves a little bewildered but Gandalf seemed to enjoy it, smiling and clapping along. Gimli was contented with working his way through the copious amounts of food and alcohol on the tables. Elrond made himself useful by ensuring no one started up a boring political conversation with Legolas. Galadriel mostly sat quietly in the corner, cradling her glass of wine and watching over proceedings. Aragorn and Arwen also kept to themselves but managed to keep things light. Although Aragorn had not been overly impressed with Legolas' decision at first, once Arwen and Elrond had talked to him he began to understand and had agreed to at least put on a brave face tonight.

Overall, the whole thing wasn't as bad as Legolas thought it would be. Being around his friends was uplifting given that he had felt so bad all week.

"Ada, we need more wine," Elrohir said as he approached his father who was speaking to Legolas.

"Then go to the kitchens," Elrond smiled.

"Ada…"

Legolas smiled at this protest. "I'll go," he offered.

"You don't have to do that," Elrond assured him. "My son is just being lazy."

"I don't mind. I could do with some fresh air." Elrond nodded and Legolas walked away, smiling at Glorfindel reassuringly as he left. He didn't notice Galadriel following at a discreet distance behind him.

It was only as he was rummaging through the wine rack for an appropriate bottle that Galadriel made her presence known, startling him. "Can I talk to you?" He nearly dropped the bottle in fright and spun around to face her. "Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you," she smiled softly, swinging the door closed behind her and walking gracefully over to him.

"Galadriel, you shouldn't sneak up on people," he breathed.

"Sorry. I just thought that we should clear the air before you left tomorrow." He looked slightly nervous about this and she reassured him. "I'm not going to say anything bad, I promise."

"Alright," Legolas said tentatively.

She smiled and sat down at one of the work tops and he sat down beside her. "I know I haven't been fully supportive of your decision or of my husband's, but I do understand why you're leaving. These past couple of weeks I haven't been fair on you. You've been nothing but giving all this time. You deserve to make this decision for yourself and it's not my place to stand in your way."

"Thank you." Legolas was surprised by this. The Lady of the Golden Wood wasn't known for admitting she was wrong. "My Lady, I would never have asked Lord Celeborn to…it was Lord Elrond…"

Galadriel held up her hand to stop him and he was grateful to her for that. "I know it was Elrond who presented the idea and Celeborn was right to accept. He will rule Mirkwood well." Legolas nodded thankfully. "Anyway, what I meant to say, good luck and I wish you and Glorfindel all the best. I hope it won't be too long before I see you again."

"Thank you, my Lady."

Galadriel nodded and stood up with him. Although a little unsure, they hugged, Galadriel holding him back tightly. "Take care of yourself, Legolas." The young king nodded against her, tears welling up in his eyes. They pulled back and Galadriel took a moment to look deep into Legolas' blue eyes, sparkling with tears. She placed her hands on either side of his face and said softly, "No matter what happens or what anyone tells you, your father was and always will be immensely proud of you." Tears rolled down Legolas' fair face at this. So many people had said those same words but Galadriel's were not empty words of comfort, they were genuine. Galadriel knew. "Don't you ever forget that. He loved you more than anything." She let him go but reached her hand out to wipe his tears away.

"Thank you," he managed to choke out. Galadriel smiled softly, knowing exactly how much her comments meant to the young Elf.

"Come, tonight is about celebration."

He nodded but at the same time said, "Can you take this in to Elrohir? I'll join you in a minute." She took the bottle from him. Once she had returned to the party, Legolas slipped from the kitchens and went straight out into the nearly deserted gardens. A couple of guards were wandering around, Celeborn having increased security since the Spider attack, which thankfully seemed to have been a one off.

"Your Majesty," one of them called, running over to him and bowing. "Can I help you, sir?" the guard asked, obviously wondering what the King of Mirkwood was doing wandering around the grounds in the dark without an escort.

"No, thank you. These guards, is it necessary for them to be out here?" Legolas asked, looking around the dark grounds.

"Uh, they are just doing a regular patrol, sir," the guard answered, somewhat mystified.

"Then they are not imperative to security?"

"No, sir."

Legolas thought for a moment before ordering, "Ask them to go inside for a few minutes. I would like a moment alone."

"Alone out here, sir?" the guard asked, clearly nervous about the prospect. "Are you sure that's wise?"

"I gave you an order," Legolas snapped without even realising he was saying it. He instantly realised what he had said though and bowed his head. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to sound so blunt. Please, I just need a moment alone out here." At this his eyes flickered over to the two graves of his brother and father and the guard immediately understood.

"Of course, sir. I'll have them cleared right away." The guard bowed sharply and began clearing guards out of the way.

"Thank you," Legolas said softly to him when he passed him by. The guard nodded and followed his colleagues inside, closing the doors behind him.

Slowly, Legolas walked over to the graves and just stared at them in the torchlight for a long while. He slowly knelt down beside them, placing his hand on the soil. He said the first Elven prayer that came into his mind. The past week, he had been avoiding coming here but Galadriel's words had prompted him.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Ada," he whispered to the headstone bearing the names of his family. "I'm sorry." He meant it to sound like an apology but it came out as a broken cry and he put his hand over his mouth to stop more escaping him. Taking some slow, deep breaths, he removed his hand and looked back down at the lettering on the tombstone. He traced long fingers over the Sindarin writing. Although he had been to this place several times it had always been to grieve. He had not felt so close to his father and brother since their deaths. A smile almost passed over his lips but sadness and tiredness prevented it.

"Legolas, am I disturbing you?" Aragorn's voice startled him from his musings.

Clearing his throat and quickly wiping tears from his face, Legolas looked up at him and faked a smile. "No, not at all." Aragorn smiled and came closer, his grey eyes sweeping over the letters. "I couldn't leave without saying a proper goodbye," Legolas explained although there was no need to do so. Aragorn didn't require one.

"Are you alright?" the man asked.

Legolas gestured for Aragorn to sit beside him and he did so, placing the bottle of wine and two glasses he was carrying on the ground. "If you'd asked me that half an hour ago I would have said no but…I really think I am now. I've been so nervous about leaving. But now…I don't know what changed but I feel better about it."

"Maybe you just needed to find your peace with them," Aragorn nodded to the grave they were sat beside.

"Maybe." Legolas laid his hand on the stone again. "I'm going to miss them," he admitted softly. "It doesn't sound right, does it? They've been gone for a while now and yet I've still felt like they're still here in a way."

"Legolas, your mother and father and brother still are with you in a way. They are a part of Mirkwood and you are leaving that behind. But no matter where you go they will remain with you," Aragorn smiled and Legolas nodded his thanks.

"I'm going to miss you too."

Aragorn grinned widely. "Maybe one day we'll meet again."

"I hope so," Legolas said sincerely.

"For the time being though, I have a kingdom to piece back together. I'm afraid I have somewhat abandoned Gondor of late."

"In truth, I had almost forgotten about Gondor," Legolas admitted.

Aragorn nodded and it was understandable that the Elf had more important things on his mind. "She will be a good empire again, fair and true. It will take some time but it will be so, I am sure of it."

"I hope Celeborn will lead Mirkwood to aid you in negotiations with the Eastern races. We have done so little in the past."

"Well, that is not for you to be concerned about anymore. I will rule Gondor as best I can," Aragorn assured.

"I wish I had your strength," Legolas said softly.

"To do what you are about to do requires a different kind of strength." Legolas nodded slowly, not entirely convinced but too tired to argue. "However, tonight is your final night and Elrond is determined that it be a celebration. Who are we to argue?" Legolas laughed as Aragorn pulled the cork from the bottle and poured a little wine into both glasses. He handed one to Legolas and raised his own in salute. "A toast: To King Legolas, Captain Glorfindel and their future together." They tapped glasses and downed the wine.

"Thank you, mellon nin," Legolas smiled.

"Good luck."

They sat there for a while, together for the final time, talking about their adventures together. Although Legolas had never really spoken of his time with the Fellowship, they now spoke freely of the War, laughing at the Hobbit and Dwarven antics and softly over the deaths of friends and comrades. And Aragorn talked of his plans for Gondor's future – the unification of the factions of Men – and his lenient policy on forgiveness for the crimes committed by the lesser races who had been forced to join Sauron's armies and, more importantly, for Aragorn, the future he planned to share with his wife Arwen. Legolas was happy to listen. It cheered him to hear Aragorn talking so animatedly about his life and his plans, especially when he himself would not be on Middle Earth much longer.

Once they had exhausted every topic and finished all the alcohol. Aragorn sighed, "I don't think we can hide much longer. We should get back to your party."

"Actually, I'm kind of tired. I'll be in my rooms."

"Alright. I'll see you in the morning," Aragorn said, standing up slowly. He held his hand out and Legolas took it, allowing Aragorn to help him up. Before the Elf could walk away, Aragorn pulled him into a tight hug, holding him close for what he knew would be the last time. "Goodbye, mellon nin," he whispered. "I'm sorry for everything." Legolas smiled against his shoulder. "Take care of yourself."

"I will." They parted and Legolas smiled at his friend. "Thank you for everything, Aragorn. I couldn't have done it without you."

"You're more than welcome." They shook hands firmly. "It's been a pleasure and an honour, Your Majesty."

"Goodnight, Estel," Legolas smiled, walking away. Aragorn just nodded before going in the other direction to rejoin what remained of the party. He was glad that he got at least a few hours alone with Legolas before he left. There had been so little time to do so of late.

Legolas did return to his rooms right away. He hadn't been lying when he said he was tired, although he wasn't nervous about leaving anymore. Nodding to a passing maid, Legolas opened his door and stepped inside. He wasn't overly surprised to find Glorfindel waiting for him.

"I was beginning to wonder where you'd gotten to," the Elda smiled when Legolas entered.

"Sorry, I was with Aragorn."

"Oh. Did you have fun?" the seneschal asked, noting the empty bottle in Legolas' hand.

Legolas placed it on the table and smiled, "Yes, actually."

"I'm glad. And did you say goodbye to…"

"Yes," Legolas answered before Glorfindel could finish. Of course, Glorfindel had been eager for him to say goodbye to his father and brother, or at least visit their graves before they left. Until today, Legolas had been reluctant to do so but Glorfindel was pleased he had finally gotten around to doing it. He knew that it really meant a lot to the younger Elf.

"Good."

Legolas walked over to him. "And now we have nothing else to do."

"Maybe you should get some rest," Glorfindel suggested.

"I have an eternity to rest," Legolas said, pulling Glorfindel close and kissing him deeply. It grew steadily more passionate until they were making their way over to the bed, pulling their shirts off. Glorfindel laid Legolas down on the bed, smiling softly before properly undressing him. It was their first proper night of passion in a while but it had been worth the wait. Satisfied, but exhausted, Legolas now laid in Glorfindel's arms.

To Be Continued…