Everlasting Road: ch. 30
Three days passed in the dwarf city, and the companions were ready to move on. Once again, the entire population of dwarves had turned out to bid them all farewell. It was another raucous affair, and though it was natural to the dwarves, the two elves still felt astonished by it all. Gimli had announced their return to Gondor to aid the new King Elessar. Once they had reached Gondor, Gimli would send back word and some of the finest craftsmen would go as well. Gimli remembered promising Aragorn that he would help rebuild the city and make it even stronger, nobody could beat the dwarves at rebuilding and fortifying.
Amidst all the cheers and colorful decorations, the three set out once again. Gimli held himself more proudly than ever, being treated as a hero worked well with him. Legolas teased him over this, proclaiming that Gimli would become too big for his own beard.
To which Gimli solemnly replied, "Beards grow, master elf." This set them off laughing and they exchanged more banter.
Liria followed silently. She was not angry or upset, merely did not want to get in the way of their merriment. Legolas had noticed a change come over her in the three days' time. She seemed to become more aware of the land all about her, and she had befriended some of the lady dwarves. She wore now a necklace made of thin silver with a large rose-colored crystal on it, a parting gift from the dwarves. And there had been no feuds between Liria and Gimli, a big feat for three days.
Gimli sensed a change as well, but he had yet to fully forgive Liria. She had caused him physical harm, but even worse, she had come between him and Legolas. The mental anguish surpassed the physical. But she appeared as though she was trying, leaving Legolas and Gimli time to be alone and being civil when she was around. It was no longer a competition for Legolas' attentions. He in turn did not become angry when Legolas and Liria wanted to be alone. If anything, he had more faith in Legolas, and knew his friend would not abandon him, as much as Liria might try.
In seemingly no time, though in actuality a week had passed, the trio came to the gates of Gondor. It looked a lot different since when they had left. Reparations were already being made, and life teemed all throughout the city. There was no longer a desolate cloud hung over it.
Guards reported the trio's presence, and Aragorn himself came to the gate to let them in. He greeted both Legolas and Gimli with an embrace. "My friends have returned as I thought they would. Your services are no lesser than when the Fellowship rode together." He smiled at them both.
"We have come to aid you for as long as you are King," Legolas replied.
"That is very good to hear. For although there will be no more times of war, the Valar willing, I would still like to have two of my dearest friends at my side. Together, we will make Gondor more glorious than it has ever stood." Aragorn was sincere in his excitement. When he was through, he noticed Liria for the first time. "And who is this fair elf- maiden?"
Liria bowed her head before answering. "I am Liria of Mirkwood, and would like to help where I can. Your reputation preceeds you, and I would be most willing to give you my allegiance."
Aragorn looked faintly amused and was about to say something when Legolas cut in. "She is also of dear value to me."
Aragorn looked surprised, but tried to mask it. He knew of Legolas and Gimli's extraordinary bond, and had a feeling that this had probably caused a problem. At the moment, however, all seemed well. It was then that he felt a presence behind him and turned with a smile. Arwen was coming up to them.
She stopped and smiled at them, "Am I to assume that we now have help when we need it the most?"
Legolas and Gimli bowed slightly, "Of course, my lady. The ring may be gone, but the bonds of the Fellowship are too strong to deny," Legolas told her.
Arwen smiled again, "As to be expected. I hope that the combination of your strengths give Gondor what it needs to become great once again." With that said, she turned to Aragorn, "I hate to interrupt this joyful reunion, but you are sorely needed." With an explanation to the others, "He left in the middle of a meeting to greet you."
With a final embrace to Gimli and Legolas, Aragorn turned and hurried back to the meeting. Arwen stayed behind to escort them to guest houses. "There will be a feast later tonight," she informed them, "Aragorn has been anticipating your return and has had the kitchens on alert for about a week. He will give them the go-ahead and announce the feast to all."
She left them after seeing they were made comfortable. "Another feast," Liria commented when she was gone.
"But we shall never tire of them," was Gimli's immediate reply. Liria laughed slightly, and Gimli smiled.
"It seems that our travels are finally over," Legolas said absent- mindedly.
"Do not jinx anything," Gimli warned. The last time Legolas had insisted the danger was over, Gimli had almost been shot. "And I believe that there is more yet in store for us, though nothing may ever compare to the War of the Ring."
"May that be the truth," Legolas replied, "I think we will like our new life here, helping a friend."
"Speaking of that, I have to see to a messenger to tell some of my kin to come and help rebuild." Gimli turned and left the small house.
Legolas looked at Liria, "Will you be happy here?"
"As long as you remain," she answered. Legolas came to her and embraced her, his mouth finding hers. They remained that way for some time, until Legolas realized that tears were sliding down Liria's cheeks. He broke away astonished.
"What is the matter?" he asked somewhat frantically.
"I cannot stay," she whispered.
"What?" Legolas was very confused, "but you said you would like to remain here."
"But I cannot," she answered, and Legolas grew more perplexed, "this has to be my reparation for Gimli. You and he need to be together for as long as possible, and as long as I am here, this will not happen. Plus there is Aragorn to contend with. He is a very noble man and he too needs to have time with the closest of his companions. These are strange and new times and you all need to work together to get through this." Legolas tried to voice a denial, but she stopped him. "We are elves, we have all the time in the world to be together, Aragorn and Gimli do not."
"What are you saying?" Legolas asked quietly, though he knew what she was going to say.
"I will pass into the Havens," came her heavy response.
"No," Legolas pleaded with her, "I need you here with me now. You cannot leave me."
"I am not leaving you," Liria insisted, her voice suddenly firm, "I am merely waiting for you. And trust me that I will wait, for as long as it takes, I will wait for you. Every day will seem like a year, but I will wait. This is my penance to Gimli, yet I know that you will join me, and then nothing will keep us apart."
Legolas saw her logic, yet that did not make the situation any easier. He found he was having difficulty breathing.
Liria swept her hand over his forehead and cupped the side of his face so that he had to look her in the eyes. Her eyes were the deepest green imaginable, the color reserved for Legolas, "You have become my heart, and your desires are mine. Stay with your companions for as long as possible, they need you more than I right now. I can afford to wait for you."
Legolas shook his head, tears starting to fill his eyes. He grabbed the hand that held his face and kissed it feverishly. "You do not have to go. Everything is finally starting to work together. We can all work together."
Liria slowly pulled her hand away. "It would only be a matter of time before problems arose again, and then you would have to go through all that anguish again. I do not want to risk that. This is the best I can offer you, time to enjoy your dear friends company without fear. And then we can be together again, I promise you that." Their hands remained joined, and they stood in place for a moment, Liria's eyes pained but resolved, Legolas striving to maintain his composure.
"It will be for the best," Liria insisted quietly, "you will recognize that. We have known each other our whole lives, a few more years will not make a difference," she started to pull away, "I have to see to arrangements for my departure."
They separated and Liria turned slowly. Before she had turned all the way, she whirled back around and embraced Legolas with such force he had to catch his breath. She kissed him, deeply and passionately, and he was more than eager to comply. When Liria finally pulled away, she buried her face in his chest, and his arms tightened even more around her.
"It will only be a little while," she whispered in his chest, but it was more to herself than to him. She pulled away again, and this time walked out of the door. Legolas remained behind, taking deep breaths to calm himself. It was not as if he would never see her again, he continually reminded himself, but it did not take any of the pain away.
Gimli came back through the door, and he stopped uncertainly when he saw Legolas. The Elf Prince was standing still in the middle of the room, his hands at his sides, his gaze locked on the floor. "Legolas?" Gimli questioned uncertainly. There was no response.
"Legolas," Gimli said louder, and Legolas' head snapped up. He looked surprised as if he had not even noticed him come in. "Legolas, Aragorn has summoned us to the meeting. He needs our assistance right now."
Legolas took a deep breath and shook his head slightly. "Yes," he said slowly, "Aragorn needs us." And he followed Gimli out of the door.
The End.
Author's Note: Wow, I actually finished! Many thanks to my continual reviewers, you kept me going! As for the story, the notes in the book after the Lord of the Rings says that Legolas and Gimli returned to help Aragorn with other elves and dwarves to rebuild and make a new nation, so this story fits right in, it could have happened. After Aragorn dies, Legolas and Gimli both pass over into the Havens. There is also much controversy regarding Gimli in the Havens, and it is said that he used the favor of Galadriel to get in. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it.
Three days passed in the dwarf city, and the companions were ready to move on. Once again, the entire population of dwarves had turned out to bid them all farewell. It was another raucous affair, and though it was natural to the dwarves, the two elves still felt astonished by it all. Gimli had announced their return to Gondor to aid the new King Elessar. Once they had reached Gondor, Gimli would send back word and some of the finest craftsmen would go as well. Gimli remembered promising Aragorn that he would help rebuild the city and make it even stronger, nobody could beat the dwarves at rebuilding and fortifying.
Amidst all the cheers and colorful decorations, the three set out once again. Gimli held himself more proudly than ever, being treated as a hero worked well with him. Legolas teased him over this, proclaiming that Gimli would become too big for his own beard.
To which Gimli solemnly replied, "Beards grow, master elf." This set them off laughing and they exchanged more banter.
Liria followed silently. She was not angry or upset, merely did not want to get in the way of their merriment. Legolas had noticed a change come over her in the three days' time. She seemed to become more aware of the land all about her, and she had befriended some of the lady dwarves. She wore now a necklace made of thin silver with a large rose-colored crystal on it, a parting gift from the dwarves. And there had been no feuds between Liria and Gimli, a big feat for three days.
Gimli sensed a change as well, but he had yet to fully forgive Liria. She had caused him physical harm, but even worse, she had come between him and Legolas. The mental anguish surpassed the physical. But she appeared as though she was trying, leaving Legolas and Gimli time to be alone and being civil when she was around. It was no longer a competition for Legolas' attentions. He in turn did not become angry when Legolas and Liria wanted to be alone. If anything, he had more faith in Legolas, and knew his friend would not abandon him, as much as Liria might try.
In seemingly no time, though in actuality a week had passed, the trio came to the gates of Gondor. It looked a lot different since when they had left. Reparations were already being made, and life teemed all throughout the city. There was no longer a desolate cloud hung over it.
Guards reported the trio's presence, and Aragorn himself came to the gate to let them in. He greeted both Legolas and Gimli with an embrace. "My friends have returned as I thought they would. Your services are no lesser than when the Fellowship rode together." He smiled at them both.
"We have come to aid you for as long as you are King," Legolas replied.
"That is very good to hear. For although there will be no more times of war, the Valar willing, I would still like to have two of my dearest friends at my side. Together, we will make Gondor more glorious than it has ever stood." Aragorn was sincere in his excitement. When he was through, he noticed Liria for the first time. "And who is this fair elf- maiden?"
Liria bowed her head before answering. "I am Liria of Mirkwood, and would like to help where I can. Your reputation preceeds you, and I would be most willing to give you my allegiance."
Aragorn looked faintly amused and was about to say something when Legolas cut in. "She is also of dear value to me."
Aragorn looked surprised, but tried to mask it. He knew of Legolas and Gimli's extraordinary bond, and had a feeling that this had probably caused a problem. At the moment, however, all seemed well. It was then that he felt a presence behind him and turned with a smile. Arwen was coming up to them.
She stopped and smiled at them, "Am I to assume that we now have help when we need it the most?"
Legolas and Gimli bowed slightly, "Of course, my lady. The ring may be gone, but the bonds of the Fellowship are too strong to deny," Legolas told her.
Arwen smiled again, "As to be expected. I hope that the combination of your strengths give Gondor what it needs to become great once again." With that said, she turned to Aragorn, "I hate to interrupt this joyful reunion, but you are sorely needed." With an explanation to the others, "He left in the middle of a meeting to greet you."
With a final embrace to Gimli and Legolas, Aragorn turned and hurried back to the meeting. Arwen stayed behind to escort them to guest houses. "There will be a feast later tonight," she informed them, "Aragorn has been anticipating your return and has had the kitchens on alert for about a week. He will give them the go-ahead and announce the feast to all."
She left them after seeing they were made comfortable. "Another feast," Liria commented when she was gone.
"But we shall never tire of them," was Gimli's immediate reply. Liria laughed slightly, and Gimli smiled.
"It seems that our travels are finally over," Legolas said absent- mindedly.
"Do not jinx anything," Gimli warned. The last time Legolas had insisted the danger was over, Gimli had almost been shot. "And I believe that there is more yet in store for us, though nothing may ever compare to the War of the Ring."
"May that be the truth," Legolas replied, "I think we will like our new life here, helping a friend."
"Speaking of that, I have to see to a messenger to tell some of my kin to come and help rebuild." Gimli turned and left the small house.
Legolas looked at Liria, "Will you be happy here?"
"As long as you remain," she answered. Legolas came to her and embraced her, his mouth finding hers. They remained that way for some time, until Legolas realized that tears were sliding down Liria's cheeks. He broke away astonished.
"What is the matter?" he asked somewhat frantically.
"I cannot stay," she whispered.
"What?" Legolas was very confused, "but you said you would like to remain here."
"But I cannot," she answered, and Legolas grew more perplexed, "this has to be my reparation for Gimli. You and he need to be together for as long as possible, and as long as I am here, this will not happen. Plus there is Aragorn to contend with. He is a very noble man and he too needs to have time with the closest of his companions. These are strange and new times and you all need to work together to get through this." Legolas tried to voice a denial, but she stopped him. "We are elves, we have all the time in the world to be together, Aragorn and Gimli do not."
"What are you saying?" Legolas asked quietly, though he knew what she was going to say.
"I will pass into the Havens," came her heavy response.
"No," Legolas pleaded with her, "I need you here with me now. You cannot leave me."
"I am not leaving you," Liria insisted, her voice suddenly firm, "I am merely waiting for you. And trust me that I will wait, for as long as it takes, I will wait for you. Every day will seem like a year, but I will wait. This is my penance to Gimli, yet I know that you will join me, and then nothing will keep us apart."
Legolas saw her logic, yet that did not make the situation any easier. He found he was having difficulty breathing.
Liria swept her hand over his forehead and cupped the side of his face so that he had to look her in the eyes. Her eyes were the deepest green imaginable, the color reserved for Legolas, "You have become my heart, and your desires are mine. Stay with your companions for as long as possible, they need you more than I right now. I can afford to wait for you."
Legolas shook his head, tears starting to fill his eyes. He grabbed the hand that held his face and kissed it feverishly. "You do not have to go. Everything is finally starting to work together. We can all work together."
Liria slowly pulled her hand away. "It would only be a matter of time before problems arose again, and then you would have to go through all that anguish again. I do not want to risk that. This is the best I can offer you, time to enjoy your dear friends company without fear. And then we can be together again, I promise you that." Their hands remained joined, and they stood in place for a moment, Liria's eyes pained but resolved, Legolas striving to maintain his composure.
"It will be for the best," Liria insisted quietly, "you will recognize that. We have known each other our whole lives, a few more years will not make a difference," she started to pull away, "I have to see to arrangements for my departure."
They separated and Liria turned slowly. Before she had turned all the way, she whirled back around and embraced Legolas with such force he had to catch his breath. She kissed him, deeply and passionately, and he was more than eager to comply. When Liria finally pulled away, she buried her face in his chest, and his arms tightened even more around her.
"It will only be a little while," she whispered in his chest, but it was more to herself than to him. She pulled away again, and this time walked out of the door. Legolas remained behind, taking deep breaths to calm himself. It was not as if he would never see her again, he continually reminded himself, but it did not take any of the pain away.
Gimli came back through the door, and he stopped uncertainly when he saw Legolas. The Elf Prince was standing still in the middle of the room, his hands at his sides, his gaze locked on the floor. "Legolas?" Gimli questioned uncertainly. There was no response.
"Legolas," Gimli said louder, and Legolas' head snapped up. He looked surprised as if he had not even noticed him come in. "Legolas, Aragorn has summoned us to the meeting. He needs our assistance right now."
Legolas took a deep breath and shook his head slightly. "Yes," he said slowly, "Aragorn needs us." And he followed Gimli out of the door.
The End.
Author's Note: Wow, I actually finished! Many thanks to my continual reviewers, you kept me going! As for the story, the notes in the book after the Lord of the Rings says that Legolas and Gimli returned to help Aragorn with other elves and dwarves to rebuild and make a new nation, so this story fits right in, it could have happened. After Aragorn dies, Legolas and Gimli both pass over into the Havens. There is also much controversy regarding Gimli in the Havens, and it is said that he used the favor of Galadriel to get in. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I did writing it.