Note: Sorry for the length of time it's taken to update this particular story. I have no real idea where I'm going with it, and I've been really busy on top of that. I shall try my hardest to update once a week, but I make no promises.



The next morning, Legolas rose before the sun and slipped silently out of the castle. He didn't want anyone to bear witness to his private moment. It wasn't hard to find the grove where his friend had been buried. The path made by the funeral party was still clearly visible, winding between the trees that grew just outside the city.

Having spent so much of her tragically short life under the trees, it only made sense that she be buried there, rather than in the traditional royal graves. Tears welled up in his eyes as Legolas saw the flowers that had been strewn on the grave several days ago. Though they should have been mostly withered by this time, they were still as fresh as the day they had been cut. Even the earth itself was celebrating the life of the most radiant creature since LĂșthien.

Sinking to his knees beside the grave, Legolas first began humming Elven laments, and then he began singing aloud, his voice growing louder and stronger as he went. Around him, all was still and silent, as if the trees and creatures were listening as he sang for her departed soul, and wished her well, knowing he would never see her again, even in the next life. She was lost to their people forever.

Just as the sun began to rise on the new day, he ended his song and stood. Reverently, he placed his fingertips against the cold marble. Though he had sung his laments in their native tongue, he said his final goodbye in the speech of Men, the people she had chosen to join with. "Farewell, and may you yet find your love in the Unknown Halls of Men at the end of his life. Sleep long, dream peacefully, and may the stars ever guide you on your course."

And then he turned and walked away, returning to his room in the castle before anyone had even realized he had been gone.