Author's Note: Ah, here we are, at the end. Thanks to all of your who
reviewed, and I'm sorry for the wait on this last chapter (and for the
briefness of it, but one mustn't drag things out); my computer had to be
reformatted, etc., and needless to say I was delayed a week or so.
Anyway, enjoy, and more reviews equal more chances for another LotR fic!
-Spike
Chapter Ten: Setting Out Again
There was great sadness when it came time to go back to the forest that had held such nightmare for the travellers, but Renália and the others worried not for them, for they knew that when the three friends felt the sun upon their faces again, they would fondly remember the Temple which had bestowed upon them such gifts, and yet not mourn their passing from it with such heavy hearts.
And indeed it was true, for when, arm in arm, the companions passed through the portal and into Middle Earth's warm sunshine the lines of sadness that traced their faces smoothed away, and determination and spirit once again shimmered deep within their wizened eyes. They stood together, amidst the day and the gently waving leaves of the wood, and the singing of the birds, feeling the earth and what it was to be alive again.
When at last they turned back to the portal to bid their ethereal hosts farewell, they found that the wood was unchanged again, and the light- beings vanished.
Legolas smiled slightly as Gimli heaved a great sign and Aragorn bowed his head. He placed his hands upon their shoulders and murmured, " They know of our gratitude, my friends; you need not regret that you could not express it in words. For the light of Eärendil shines bright within our hearts now, and they are one with it.
" Your words are as warming as the sweet sun, Legolas," smiled Aragorn, straightening. " I agree with you."
" As do I," said Gimli, hefting his axe. " Our stay in the Temple has strengthened our hands and our hearts. I feel as though I am ready to take on the Dark Lord himself."
" We must not be too rash, friend Gimli," said Aragorn. " We must focus on our task of rescuing Merry and Pippin. It must be our only priority."
" One of two priorities," interrupted Gimli, clasping his friends' hands. " The other being to ensure none of us are ever lost again."
" Alas," sighed Legolas sadly. " I greatly mourn for those already lost, and for Merry and Pippin, who have had to endure the presence of the horrible Orcs these past days."
" We will find them," assured Aragorn, "and when we do, all of Mordor will pay for what the orcs have done."
" My heart thirsts for that day," said the Elf. "Come then, friends- let us go now and find our lost companions, wherever they may be."
Gimli and Aragorn agreed, and side by side, hearts as resolute and strong as mountains, the three friends, the remainder of the Fellowship, embarked upon their chosen path, and never once looked back...
...And from that night on, for as long as they travelled upon the earth, the light of Eärendil and all his servants shone ever brightly within them as well as upon them, and not even the deepest and darkest of nights could ever dim it.
The end.
-Spike
Chapter Ten: Setting Out Again
There was great sadness when it came time to go back to the forest that had held such nightmare for the travellers, but Renália and the others worried not for them, for they knew that when the three friends felt the sun upon their faces again, they would fondly remember the Temple which had bestowed upon them such gifts, and yet not mourn their passing from it with such heavy hearts.
And indeed it was true, for when, arm in arm, the companions passed through the portal and into Middle Earth's warm sunshine the lines of sadness that traced their faces smoothed away, and determination and spirit once again shimmered deep within their wizened eyes. They stood together, amidst the day and the gently waving leaves of the wood, and the singing of the birds, feeling the earth and what it was to be alive again.
When at last they turned back to the portal to bid their ethereal hosts farewell, they found that the wood was unchanged again, and the light- beings vanished.
Legolas smiled slightly as Gimli heaved a great sign and Aragorn bowed his head. He placed his hands upon their shoulders and murmured, " They know of our gratitude, my friends; you need not regret that you could not express it in words. For the light of Eärendil shines bright within our hearts now, and they are one with it.
" Your words are as warming as the sweet sun, Legolas," smiled Aragorn, straightening. " I agree with you."
" As do I," said Gimli, hefting his axe. " Our stay in the Temple has strengthened our hands and our hearts. I feel as though I am ready to take on the Dark Lord himself."
" We must not be too rash, friend Gimli," said Aragorn. " We must focus on our task of rescuing Merry and Pippin. It must be our only priority."
" One of two priorities," interrupted Gimli, clasping his friends' hands. " The other being to ensure none of us are ever lost again."
" Alas," sighed Legolas sadly. " I greatly mourn for those already lost, and for Merry and Pippin, who have had to endure the presence of the horrible Orcs these past days."
" We will find them," assured Aragorn, "and when we do, all of Mordor will pay for what the orcs have done."
" My heart thirsts for that day," said the Elf. "Come then, friends- let us go now and find our lost companions, wherever they may be."
Gimli and Aragorn agreed, and side by side, hearts as resolute and strong as mountains, the three friends, the remainder of the Fellowship, embarked upon their chosen path, and never once looked back...
...And from that night on, for as long as they travelled upon the earth, the light of Eärendil and all his servants shone ever brightly within them as well as upon them, and not even the deepest and darkest of nights could ever dim it.
The end.
