Author's notes are at the end. They aren't mine, I killed mine…whoops!

***

Their return to Minas Tirith was triumphant. Legolas had immediately been treated with athelas by Aragorn and the recent wounds were healed, almost completely. He still had yet to completely to recover from the poison and he was still, quite plainly exhausted. The Elf and Gimli the Dwarf  led the company in a triumphant parade through the streets of the city of Gondor on Arod, who's prance suggested he was equally glad of their success. Legolas's appearance prompted many amazed looks from those he passed. Aragorn promised to make an announcement explaining the Elf's somewhat unorthodox departure from the city immediately. The flags were raised once more and the city celebrated the return of its heroes and its King.

Together they entered the palace where they remained together for many days. They discussed the strange cult in detail.

'So Sauron and Saruman had nothing to do with it,' Gimli noted.

I am not complaining Master Dwarf,' Legolas answered, 'Duredhel alone was a difficult enemy to face.'

The others nodded wryly in agreement.

'That must have been merely a charade,' Arwen mused. 'All in Middle Earth have heard of them, not all have heard of Duredhel, it ensured we gave due attention to his threat.'

'Well,' the Hobbits commented. 'The men were easier to deal with than Uruk Hai,' they turned to Aragorn. 'No disrespect intended.'

Aragorn shrugged.

'None taken, I know of your, 'less than pleasant' encounter with them.'

All in the room passed for a moment, thinking sadly of Boromir. Legolas broke the silence.

'He would be glad we succeeded , would he not? I do not think he would ever wish us to grieve, but remember him with joy. So let us go out into the sunshine and enjoyed the city he loved.'

They smiled together then passing onto the battlements to feel the light of the sun on their faces.

***

Elrond was the first to leave for Rivendell, promising that he would visit his daughter in the near future. Merry and Pippin were next to depart, taking with them good wishes to Samwise Gamgee and his family. They invited any of the company to visit them in the shire, especially Legolas and Gimli who travelled often.

'Then our roles shall be reversed and you shall be the two unlooked for,' joked Merry to the pair.

Legolas and Gimli were the last to leave as Aragorn had been loath for them to leave until he knew Legolas was completely healed. They had taken little persuading, enjoying the hospitality and the reminiscing.

'Where do you intend to go?' asked Aragorn as they prepared to depart.

Gimli looked at Legolas who had a scheming glint in his eye.

'I believe every tree in Middle Earth, was the arrangement,' he reminded Gimli, or at least those we have not yet visited.'

Gimli nodded unhappily, feeling sure that if he complained frequently enough the Elf would relent. Legolas grinned at Aragorn.

'Fear not Master Dwarf, I will not hold you to that. However I should like to visit my home of Mirkwood. Firstly to reassure my parents your message,' he shot a look at Aragorn, 'was totally untrue and explain to them that I am well.'

Aragorn shrugged.

'I sent one of our fastest rider's he caught the messenger, your father never found out, do not fear.'

Legolas shrugged slightly

'Still I must go for there is still a task for me yet to complete. Elves shall once more dwell in fair Ithilien. If I am able to persuade them to follow me.'

Gimli nodded.

'After that I shall depart for the Glittering Caves, for despite what once resided there, that shall be a home for dwarves.'

Aragorn nodded.

'Do not forget us here in Gondor, my friends, for our door is always open.'

'The two nodded and mounted Arod.

'Goodbye Aragorn,' Gimli's farewell was brief. He looked forward to the future and what might be.

'Stay well Legolas.' Aragorn called.

Legolas nodded.

'And you, mellon, take good care of Arwen and of your fair city.' He urged Arod into a slow walk.

'Naramie Aragorn,' he called as they moved away into the morning sun which lit the towers of the city until they glowed, 'Until our next meeting.'

Aragorn raised his arm in farewell and watched until he could see the riders no more.

The End.

So that's the end…there isn't any more. Thanks for reading all this. The reviews encouraged me to have the patience to finish.

Thank you to all of you who kept coming back to R+R: Minka, Free *Spirit* Angel, GothicSkitzoid – IhmotepLegolasDally, Aryne, blood thirsty, Tinabedina and MeShelley to name but a few (Sorry if I missed you it's not favouritism, all reviews are loved trust me J)

Thank you SO much to anyone who helped me with my Elvish I have to get a better grasp of it. Need to find a good website.

Thank you all. Hopefully I'll be back soon, with 'Way Too Long Story 2' Despite my plans to take a break my muse is raring to go so look out for, 'To Mirkwood And Beyond,' it's a direct sequel to this but will probably stand alone as well.

Bye for now. :o)