Disclaimer: I only own Aiwë, everything else belongs to master Tolkien, etc, etc, etc...

Author's Note: Aiwë means small bird in Sindarin (Grey-Elven) speech. Also, I this is in two parts, and I have the second part written, but I won't post it until I get a decent number of reviews. **grins wickedly** Okay, enough rambling, on to the story! **AS**



Legolas's Beloved
Part One: The Confession

Legolas closed his eyes and breathed in the salty air. He was going to Valinor. Strange, he thought, I should be happy, yet he could not help feeling sad as Middle-Earth was steadily being left farther behind.
Legolas opened his eyes as Gimli came to stand next to him. The dwarf caught a glimpse of sadness pass his friend's face as Legolas absently touched the necklace around his neck. It was a small, green, leaf-shaped pendant hung on a silver chain.
"Often have I seen you wear that necklace, yet never have you told me where it is from," Gimli remarked casually.
Legolas avoided his friend's eyes and said nothing, staring back towards Middle-Earth, now vanished from sight.
"Who gave it to you?" Gimli asked, still casual.
"No one," Legolas said flatly.
"There where did you get it?" Gimli pryed.
Legolas glared at his friend, anger burning in his eyes. "Do you ever stop asking questions, dwarf?" he cried in frustration.
"Do you ever answer me?" Gimli replied calmly.
At this Legolas stopped and buried his face wearily in his hands and rested his elbows on the rail. After awhile he spoe.
"I am sorry I acted so, my friend. I have never spoken to anyone of her, for the pain is to great."
Gimli quirked an eyebrow. "Her?"
Legolas sighed and dropped his hands, staring sadly out across the ocean. "Her name was Aiwë. I had known her since childhood and we were very close. She was beautiful in both body and spirit. She had long, dark brown hair that was as soft as a baby bird. Her eyes were deep blue, and were always filled with laughter. She loved everything and was always kind and gentle."
Legolas paused, and Gimli quietly waited for him to continue. Legolas reached up and touched the leaf of the necklace.
"I gave her this necklace," he said, smiling sadly at the memory, "when I asked her to marry me. She said yes."
Tears filled the Elf prince's eyes, and he turned his head so his friend would not see him cry.
Gimli bowed his head. "But something went wrong."
Legolas nodded, angry tears coursing down his cheeks. "Orcs attacked Mirkwood while I was away," he said bitterly. "They killed many, and those they did not kill they carried off. My Aiwë was among them."
Legolas covered his face and his shoulders shook as he sobbed. "I did not even get to bury her," he cried.
Gimli closed his eyes, grieving for his friend's loss. He put a kind hand on his friend's shoulder. "But you have the necklace," he said quietly, half as a comfort, and half as a question.
Legolas nodded. "She asked me to wear it on my journey, to think of her." Legolas voice was choked as he fought to speak. "Now it is the only thing I have left to remember her."
Gimli stood, a quiet comfort, as his friend cried for his lost love.

A/N: So, what did everyone think? Review, review please!! And if you liked this, I gaurentee you'll like the next part. So, please review, and I shall the next half soon. =) **ArwenStar**