Disclaimer: If only I owned those characters of Lord of the Rings! Sadly,
it is not so.
Fatherhood agreed with Legolas implicitly. I had never seen him so attentive and cautious over so small a person, yet he excelled at being with our daughter. I could hardly stand to put her down myself, and it was quite difficult for Ithiel to convince me to rest. Gisele was quiet, though I sensed that she was slowly comprehending more of what was around her than I believed she could. Whenever she began to wrap her tiny fingers around one of mine, I felt as if all the world belonged to me. It startled me how much I desired and accepted being a mother, but I could not have asked for anything more precious.
Watching Legolas and Gisele gave me a thrill unlike any other. I knew her small mind was capable of processing what we taught her, for Legolas spoke much to her in Elvish and I spoke in the Common Tongue. Her eyes had opened up to become a bright blue the color of the winter sky or the pale flowers in our garden. They watched everything so attentively, learning with each movement. I had never held anything so precious in my life.
All was well until the end of August, when autumn was once again beginning to show through the mild summer. We received word from Lothlorien that the Lord and Lady were set to depart for the Grey Havens, and would be passing through Rivendell within the next week to accompany Lord Elrond and the remainder of his household to the same place. It was plain to see that we were required to bid farewell to those who had so enriched my life, and we were to follow them to the sailing point.
I felt a great sadness fall over my heart upon hearing of such news. I had longed to forget what Lady Galadriel had told me the previous year, begging unconsciously to make it false and that they would remain in Middle Earth. Alas, it was not to be. Legolas and I packed up what we could, and, taking along a small escort to protect Gisele, left as promptly as possible. He knew the location of the point was, and we made haste to journey there. He was anxious in taking our child on such a journey, yet he refused to leave her at home, echoing my own feelings. Riding Aria once again, entrusting her with the fragile cargo, I felt free and spirited for a short time before realizing what it was we had set out to do.
After several weeks of travel, we passed on into a clean land of still green fields and hills. The sky was pure and whispering with gentle clouds that floated along, masking the change of scenery to thinner fields and scarcer forests. We had passed the old watchtower of Amun Sul, and we had somehow circumvented the majority of the Shire. We traveled quietly and without terribly much attention, hardly seeing any people along the roads we so took. Gisele seemed fascinated by all the travels, her eyes searching out the world from beneath her blankets and cradles.
One day as we were taking the road just out of the Shire, we encountered a group of travelers heading the same direction as we were. Legolas had spotted them long before I knew of them, and remained silent until we were nearly on their heels. As the group slowed to greet us, I found a warm flood of emotion erasing some of the gloom that had been sweeping over me. There before us were Lord Elrond, Lord Celeborn, Lady Galadriel, Frodo, Sam, Bilbo, and many other Elves. Elrond was dressed in gray, with a star laid upon his forehead. On his hand lay a beautiful ring of gold with a shining blue stone in the center. Lady Galadriel, I suddenly noticed, carried a silver ring with glowing white jewels to echo her garments. A sudden breeze swept over me that made my flesh crawl, though it was not unpleasant, merely a reaction to the power I felt within them.
"Well, now isn't this a pleasant surprise," said Lord Elrond, a wistful smile decorating his somber face. He, unlike the others who were dressed in autumnal traveling cloaks and clothes, wore only gray. In his arms I saw a small harp, something I had never before seen in his possession. The Elves among them seemed to carry very little.
Legolas nodded. "It is well to meet with you sooner than we expected. We had just as soon believed we would not speak with you until we all had attained the Grey Havens."
"Speed is our ally," said Lord Celeborn, his gleaming eyes sparkling out beneath a hood of silver that sparkled like the moon. "We have journeyed more than what we expected."
I found myself drawn into the depths of the eyes of Lady Galadriel, who spoke little from her shower of golden hair and drawn hood of white. She gazed at me with the practiced steadiness of one who has had thousands upon thousands of years to do so, yet in her coolness I saw sorrow like a fledgling seed that had grown all too quickly and would soon burn out.
The Lady turned her gaze to the bundle beside me. "Your daughter is with you. I am pleased, I had indeed hoped to see your child before our departure." She moved forward a little farther until she looked down upon the sleeping child wrapped tightly in blankets. She lowered a hand to caress the smooth cheek that was rosy in the afternoon sun, and a smile touched her pensive lips. "She is a wondrous creature, Andariel. Legolas, you have a fine daughter, and she will be a strong woman as she matures."
Legolas bowed his head. "We hope to see her as such."
She eyes him for a moment. "You are noble in heart for remaining here in Middle Earth. You are not meant to be anywhere else."
Frodo sighed deeply, staring down at the small child. He was tired and ragged from a great weight pressing upon his shoulders and his heart. I did not need to see his mind to know he suffered greatly each year, and he would never fully be rid of the horrors he had undergone during the Quest. Still, it vexed me as to why he was journeying with the Elves who were meant to depart.
"Frodo," I said quietly.
He looked up, blue eyes piercingly bright. "Gisele is a beautiful girl," he commented. "I am glad I was able to see her at last."
I studied him carefully, wondering why his face was so taut and plain. "Frodo, why is it you journey with the Elves? Do you wish to bid them farewell as we do?"
Sam, who was a few feet away, covered his mouth to muffle an audible sob that escaped from his lips. I looked over to the other hobbit in surprise, as did Legolas, though my husband recovered quite quickly. He always did have a knack for understanding things sooner than I did.
"Frodo is accompanying them to the Grey Havens," Legolas said quietly. "He is not to return."
I felt my eyes grow wide as I turned back to the hobbit, startled. "Is this true, Frodo?"
He nodded, averting his eyes from meeting anyone's. "Yes, Andariel, I am afraid it is. You see, I cannot abide to remain here any longer than I already have. The loss of the Ring is too deeply felt and is aided by wounds too deeply made that I cannot rid myself of them. While I have no wish to depart from those whom I care for, I must rest. Bilbo and I are to make for the Havens with the rest of the Elves."
Legolas nodded once, while I stared around in bitter understanding. The autumn of the world was the winter of their existence in this place, and now they were departing. Those who had been greatly part of the last Age were leaving, unable to continue with life as it had changed. It was still difficult for me to understand that there was little else for them to do, for I selfishly desired them to remain. Nothing in my power could make them stay, and it made my heart bleed.
"Then will you allow us to escort you as well, Frodo?" Legolas asked. "Perhaps we may aid in your travels once more before you depart these shores."
Frodo smiled awkwardly, slowly raising his eyes to meet ours. I found I could look at him, even though it was a sharp blow to my heart. "Thank you, Legolas. It would be most kind and desirable for you, my dear friends, to come along on the edge of my final journey."
I offered him a quick smile even as the ache of sorrow filled my chest. "Dear Frodo, it is our pleasure to accompany you. I am grateful that you were here now to tell us of your departure, and that you too should see little Gisele."
He smiled gratefully, turning then to Sam. "It is painful to leave so many dear friends behind. Please understand, I can't bear this burden any more, no matter what jewel Lady Arwen was kind enough to give to me."
Elrond nodded gravely, his smile faded. "The wounds he once received from the forces of evil have never truly left him. Only upon leaving Middle Earth will he find peace."
The gravity of their words lay heavily upon me, and I struggled to get past my own selfish thoughts. I desired them all to stay, to wait while I lived my own life and did who knew what. That was unfair to ask of anyone, especially immortal beings and beings who had saved all of life.
"You have known long that this would come, young one." Galadriel's voice titillated and soothed my heart, even though her words were not entirely cheerful. "You resist finding your own strength now when it has saved you countless times before. Andariel, you must be willing to live your own life with the sweetness that has been givent o you. Remember us well, and let us travel happily for the time being."
"Happily." The word was bitter even in my mind, and I would not concede. "My Lady, your wisdom knows no bounds, but I find it a difficult and unpleasant task to travel only to be abandoned by all those who have aided me. I have struggled to come to terms with the fact that you will leave. I do not wish to lose everyone, and I beg your forgiveness for being selfish."
I heard a small laugh inside my head, and I knew it was hers. "You could not be selfish even if it was your will to be so! Nessa mine, your heart cannot help who it chooses and cares for, even if those who reside there must depart the mortal realm. It is your heart that must keep us close. You will not be alone. Your family is growing, and you must serve it to the best of your abilities. Legolas has chosen you above all others, just as you have chosen him. When we have been called away, keep him close to you, for he will comfort you."
Legolas touched my hand, and I met his eyes. He was indeed the one who would comfort me throughout my life, and it was a joy I was pleased to call my own. I believed that even he knew the sorrow I felt in losing such dear ones, especially since he must have felt a similar pain. I squeezed his hand, allowing his fingers to wrap themselves around my hand.
Lord Celeborn cleared his throat. "Come. Let us travel on together, and we may yet speak of the comings and goings of the world around us."
It did not take more than four days for us to reach the place known as the Grey Havens. We had spent much time in talk, telling stories and speaking of that which we knew of others. The Elves spent much time in silent speech, leaving me to speak candidly with the hobbits. Poor Sam struggled so to hide his sorrow and his anxiety at the knowledge of leaving his dear master. Still, he held brave and would not speak against it, not knowing how Frodo suffered daily. I listened enraptured when the High Elves spoke of the old days and ages long past, willing Gisele to hear and learn it as well. It amused me to see the Elves in such spirits with my daughter, speaking quietly to her and imparting upon her knowledge of each individual. It occurred to me often that we were taking this time to say whatever we felt necessary before we reached our destination. It simply wouldn't do to have the High Elves delayed by blubbering mortal antics. Still, there was always too much to say and not enough time to use.
We looked upon the sea as we approached, and I struggled within myself to remain strong. I would not allow my dear benefactors to see me in tears upon our last visit. A white ship waited in the docks, and nearby stood a very tall man with a flowing beard not unlike Gandalf's and watchful eyes that were adrift in many years of knowledge and memory. I felt a strange tenseness in my chest as we drew ever closer, and I clutched Gisele closely to my chest.
The Elves sang quietly amongst themselves as we neared the docks. When at last we dismounted, our party remained separate while Legolas and I escorted the group to the dock. As we drew near, I noticed a tall figure standing ready and waiting, one dressed in pure white with flowing white beard and hair. Upon his finger was a ring with a flaming red stone, one I had never known him to possess.
"Gandalf?" I whispered, heart rising into my throat.
The old wizard greeted all those who approached, and then turned his gaze upon me. In his eyes I saw all the sparkle of a youth and the desire to rest of one who has seen too much. He smiled gently. "Lady Greenleaf," he greeted. "It is such a pleasure to have you and Lord Greenleaf here on our departure."
I nodded, not trusting my voice for several moments as I held the child close to my chest.
Gandalf looked down at the squirming bundle and he laughed. "So this is the child! At last I may meet the young one of such tales and gossip." He laid a hand carefully upon the baby's head, causing Gisele to look up and blink several times. "She has the look of her mother in her eyes," he observed, "as well as the look of her father in her mind." He smiled happily. "What a wonderful face to look upon as we depart these shores."
Again, I looked up wide-eyed at the old wizard. "You are leaving as well."
He nodded. "Yes, Andariel. My time is at an end here as well, and there is no other place that may offer me such peace as the Grey Havens. Please understand."
Sighing, I replied, "I believe I have heard the same words in different order, Gandalf. Please do not waste the effort when I must tell you how much I will miss you."
The late September air had turned chilly while a slight breeze wound its way through the man's beard. Gandalf smiled. "I too shall miss you greatly, Andariel. You are a woman the likes of which I have rarely seen before, and not to be forgotten. If it is any comfort at all, perhaps three hobbits I may send with you to escort you on your way home."
"Three?"
Out of the bushes jumped Merry and Pippin, both out of breath and eyes gleaming. "You managed to give us the slip before, Frodo," Merry said, marching directly down to his friend. "This time we managed to catch on to what you were doing."
"But how did you know I would be here?" Frodo asked quizzically.
Gandalf cleared his throat. "I am afraid it was I who told them. I did not believe that Samwise should ride home alone, and it is clear that perhaps Legolas and Andariel would enjoy the company as well."
Pippin surveyed the group. "Indeed it would be much simpler having a large group comin' back home to the Shire."
As all made their own farewells, I stepped towards Lord Elrond, now unafraid to meet his eyes. "My Lord," I said quietly. "Middle Earth will be lacking your wisdom and gentility with your departure. I thank you kindly for all your help and kindness to me."
The Elf Lord laid his hands upon my shoulders and placed a solemn kiss upon my forehead. "Andariel, you have become close as my own kin. While even my daughter remains behind to share the fate of her husband, so you share the same fate. It has been a pleasure of mine to aid you in as many ways as possible. I shall indeed think fondly upon you."
I moved to Lady Galadriel, a lump in my throat growing with each movement. I lowered my eyes. "My Lady, I will miss you above all else, I think. You are the most wonderful woman I have ever known, and I pray I may hold your wisdom within me."
She smiled kindly, taking my face in her hands. Never had she looked more beautiful and radiant than at that moment, as her eyes betrayed the sadness lingering in her heart. Her magic flowed through me as she touched me, and I shivered as she embraced me. "My little one," she murmured. "Be at peace. You shall live long in happiness and love, and you will not feel the taste of sorrow forever. Namarie."
"Namarie," I whispered, burying my face in her golden hair.
At last we parted, and I moved to stand beside Frodo, who had already given his farewells to the others who were to remain behind. I crouched down, fighting off tears though they threatened heavily to overwhelm me shortly, and I did not know how much longer I could withstand the effort.
"Goodbye, Frodo. I hope you will finally find a peace better than here."
He nodded, taking my hand in his soft grip, offering me a warm smile of humility and gratitude. "Don't feel so sadly about it, Andariel. We both have had our share of sorrows. You have married Legolas and quite forgotten the tragedy of your own, while I have lain alone and trembling many times out of the year, yearning for peace of mind. I will miss you."
"And I you, my dear hobbit."
The ache in my chest grew as each passenger moved towards the boat. I felt Legolas take me in his arms before I could lose my balance, and I clung to him as all those who I held close prepared to depart forever. Gisele clung to my chest tightly, her small body pressed to me, wide eyes looking out upon the High Elves and the Ringbearers. Perhaps someday she would understand what it was she looked upon. Perhaps someday I would begin to understand completely.
Gray clouds blew in from the east, shadowing the sun and causing a wispy mist to cover the sea as it stretched out into oblivion. I knew not what lay out along the sea, only that it was not in sight of land. I swallowed with difficulty, my throat clenched so tightly I thought my chest would burst. Legolas began singing softly to me of dear friends who shared passionate adventures and who lived on in each other's hearts. The song wrapped itself around me like a blanket, calming me only so that the tears began to fall silently rather than in loud sobs.
I watched as the friendly faces who had supported me and who had seen so much in their times began to move farther and farther away, drifting towards a place that no eye could discern that offered them solace from their troubles. My heart was in great turmoil. It reminded me of watching the Fellowship drifting down the Anduin so long ago as they went about their quest, leaving me behind. So now the High Elves and Ringbearers were leaving me behind to face the world without their wisdom, their knowledge, their compassion. Whatever they imparted was already within me, and would be passed on to my children. Dark tears rolled down my face as I waved absently to the shadowy figures until they were no longer within sight. So passed on the companions who had guided me and cared for me, the Third Age of Middle Earth, and the Age of the Rings of Power, never to be seen upon Middle Earth again.
*A/N: This is NOT the end. I still have just a few more chapters to do. Trust me, I will let you know when it is complete.
Fatherhood agreed with Legolas implicitly. I had never seen him so attentive and cautious over so small a person, yet he excelled at being with our daughter. I could hardly stand to put her down myself, and it was quite difficult for Ithiel to convince me to rest. Gisele was quiet, though I sensed that she was slowly comprehending more of what was around her than I believed she could. Whenever she began to wrap her tiny fingers around one of mine, I felt as if all the world belonged to me. It startled me how much I desired and accepted being a mother, but I could not have asked for anything more precious.
Watching Legolas and Gisele gave me a thrill unlike any other. I knew her small mind was capable of processing what we taught her, for Legolas spoke much to her in Elvish and I spoke in the Common Tongue. Her eyes had opened up to become a bright blue the color of the winter sky or the pale flowers in our garden. They watched everything so attentively, learning with each movement. I had never held anything so precious in my life.
All was well until the end of August, when autumn was once again beginning to show through the mild summer. We received word from Lothlorien that the Lord and Lady were set to depart for the Grey Havens, and would be passing through Rivendell within the next week to accompany Lord Elrond and the remainder of his household to the same place. It was plain to see that we were required to bid farewell to those who had so enriched my life, and we were to follow them to the sailing point.
I felt a great sadness fall over my heart upon hearing of such news. I had longed to forget what Lady Galadriel had told me the previous year, begging unconsciously to make it false and that they would remain in Middle Earth. Alas, it was not to be. Legolas and I packed up what we could, and, taking along a small escort to protect Gisele, left as promptly as possible. He knew the location of the point was, and we made haste to journey there. He was anxious in taking our child on such a journey, yet he refused to leave her at home, echoing my own feelings. Riding Aria once again, entrusting her with the fragile cargo, I felt free and spirited for a short time before realizing what it was we had set out to do.
After several weeks of travel, we passed on into a clean land of still green fields and hills. The sky was pure and whispering with gentle clouds that floated along, masking the change of scenery to thinner fields and scarcer forests. We had passed the old watchtower of Amun Sul, and we had somehow circumvented the majority of the Shire. We traveled quietly and without terribly much attention, hardly seeing any people along the roads we so took. Gisele seemed fascinated by all the travels, her eyes searching out the world from beneath her blankets and cradles.
One day as we were taking the road just out of the Shire, we encountered a group of travelers heading the same direction as we were. Legolas had spotted them long before I knew of them, and remained silent until we were nearly on their heels. As the group slowed to greet us, I found a warm flood of emotion erasing some of the gloom that had been sweeping over me. There before us were Lord Elrond, Lord Celeborn, Lady Galadriel, Frodo, Sam, Bilbo, and many other Elves. Elrond was dressed in gray, with a star laid upon his forehead. On his hand lay a beautiful ring of gold with a shining blue stone in the center. Lady Galadriel, I suddenly noticed, carried a silver ring with glowing white jewels to echo her garments. A sudden breeze swept over me that made my flesh crawl, though it was not unpleasant, merely a reaction to the power I felt within them.
"Well, now isn't this a pleasant surprise," said Lord Elrond, a wistful smile decorating his somber face. He, unlike the others who were dressed in autumnal traveling cloaks and clothes, wore only gray. In his arms I saw a small harp, something I had never before seen in his possession. The Elves among them seemed to carry very little.
Legolas nodded. "It is well to meet with you sooner than we expected. We had just as soon believed we would not speak with you until we all had attained the Grey Havens."
"Speed is our ally," said Lord Celeborn, his gleaming eyes sparkling out beneath a hood of silver that sparkled like the moon. "We have journeyed more than what we expected."
I found myself drawn into the depths of the eyes of Lady Galadriel, who spoke little from her shower of golden hair and drawn hood of white. She gazed at me with the practiced steadiness of one who has had thousands upon thousands of years to do so, yet in her coolness I saw sorrow like a fledgling seed that had grown all too quickly and would soon burn out.
The Lady turned her gaze to the bundle beside me. "Your daughter is with you. I am pleased, I had indeed hoped to see your child before our departure." She moved forward a little farther until she looked down upon the sleeping child wrapped tightly in blankets. She lowered a hand to caress the smooth cheek that was rosy in the afternoon sun, and a smile touched her pensive lips. "She is a wondrous creature, Andariel. Legolas, you have a fine daughter, and she will be a strong woman as she matures."
Legolas bowed his head. "We hope to see her as such."
She eyes him for a moment. "You are noble in heart for remaining here in Middle Earth. You are not meant to be anywhere else."
Frodo sighed deeply, staring down at the small child. He was tired and ragged from a great weight pressing upon his shoulders and his heart. I did not need to see his mind to know he suffered greatly each year, and he would never fully be rid of the horrors he had undergone during the Quest. Still, it vexed me as to why he was journeying with the Elves who were meant to depart.
"Frodo," I said quietly.
He looked up, blue eyes piercingly bright. "Gisele is a beautiful girl," he commented. "I am glad I was able to see her at last."
I studied him carefully, wondering why his face was so taut and plain. "Frodo, why is it you journey with the Elves? Do you wish to bid them farewell as we do?"
Sam, who was a few feet away, covered his mouth to muffle an audible sob that escaped from his lips. I looked over to the other hobbit in surprise, as did Legolas, though my husband recovered quite quickly. He always did have a knack for understanding things sooner than I did.
"Frodo is accompanying them to the Grey Havens," Legolas said quietly. "He is not to return."
I felt my eyes grow wide as I turned back to the hobbit, startled. "Is this true, Frodo?"
He nodded, averting his eyes from meeting anyone's. "Yes, Andariel, I am afraid it is. You see, I cannot abide to remain here any longer than I already have. The loss of the Ring is too deeply felt and is aided by wounds too deeply made that I cannot rid myself of them. While I have no wish to depart from those whom I care for, I must rest. Bilbo and I are to make for the Havens with the rest of the Elves."
Legolas nodded once, while I stared around in bitter understanding. The autumn of the world was the winter of their existence in this place, and now they were departing. Those who had been greatly part of the last Age were leaving, unable to continue with life as it had changed. It was still difficult for me to understand that there was little else for them to do, for I selfishly desired them to remain. Nothing in my power could make them stay, and it made my heart bleed.
"Then will you allow us to escort you as well, Frodo?" Legolas asked. "Perhaps we may aid in your travels once more before you depart these shores."
Frodo smiled awkwardly, slowly raising his eyes to meet ours. I found I could look at him, even though it was a sharp blow to my heart. "Thank you, Legolas. It would be most kind and desirable for you, my dear friends, to come along on the edge of my final journey."
I offered him a quick smile even as the ache of sorrow filled my chest. "Dear Frodo, it is our pleasure to accompany you. I am grateful that you were here now to tell us of your departure, and that you too should see little Gisele."
He smiled gratefully, turning then to Sam. "It is painful to leave so many dear friends behind. Please understand, I can't bear this burden any more, no matter what jewel Lady Arwen was kind enough to give to me."
Elrond nodded gravely, his smile faded. "The wounds he once received from the forces of evil have never truly left him. Only upon leaving Middle Earth will he find peace."
The gravity of their words lay heavily upon me, and I struggled to get past my own selfish thoughts. I desired them all to stay, to wait while I lived my own life and did who knew what. That was unfair to ask of anyone, especially immortal beings and beings who had saved all of life.
"You have known long that this would come, young one." Galadriel's voice titillated and soothed my heart, even though her words were not entirely cheerful. "You resist finding your own strength now when it has saved you countless times before. Andariel, you must be willing to live your own life with the sweetness that has been givent o you. Remember us well, and let us travel happily for the time being."
"Happily." The word was bitter even in my mind, and I would not concede. "My Lady, your wisdom knows no bounds, but I find it a difficult and unpleasant task to travel only to be abandoned by all those who have aided me. I have struggled to come to terms with the fact that you will leave. I do not wish to lose everyone, and I beg your forgiveness for being selfish."
I heard a small laugh inside my head, and I knew it was hers. "You could not be selfish even if it was your will to be so! Nessa mine, your heart cannot help who it chooses and cares for, even if those who reside there must depart the mortal realm. It is your heart that must keep us close. You will not be alone. Your family is growing, and you must serve it to the best of your abilities. Legolas has chosen you above all others, just as you have chosen him. When we have been called away, keep him close to you, for he will comfort you."
Legolas touched my hand, and I met his eyes. He was indeed the one who would comfort me throughout my life, and it was a joy I was pleased to call my own. I believed that even he knew the sorrow I felt in losing such dear ones, especially since he must have felt a similar pain. I squeezed his hand, allowing his fingers to wrap themselves around my hand.
Lord Celeborn cleared his throat. "Come. Let us travel on together, and we may yet speak of the comings and goings of the world around us."
It did not take more than four days for us to reach the place known as the Grey Havens. We had spent much time in talk, telling stories and speaking of that which we knew of others. The Elves spent much time in silent speech, leaving me to speak candidly with the hobbits. Poor Sam struggled so to hide his sorrow and his anxiety at the knowledge of leaving his dear master. Still, he held brave and would not speak against it, not knowing how Frodo suffered daily. I listened enraptured when the High Elves spoke of the old days and ages long past, willing Gisele to hear and learn it as well. It amused me to see the Elves in such spirits with my daughter, speaking quietly to her and imparting upon her knowledge of each individual. It occurred to me often that we were taking this time to say whatever we felt necessary before we reached our destination. It simply wouldn't do to have the High Elves delayed by blubbering mortal antics. Still, there was always too much to say and not enough time to use.
We looked upon the sea as we approached, and I struggled within myself to remain strong. I would not allow my dear benefactors to see me in tears upon our last visit. A white ship waited in the docks, and nearby stood a very tall man with a flowing beard not unlike Gandalf's and watchful eyes that were adrift in many years of knowledge and memory. I felt a strange tenseness in my chest as we drew ever closer, and I clutched Gisele closely to my chest.
The Elves sang quietly amongst themselves as we neared the docks. When at last we dismounted, our party remained separate while Legolas and I escorted the group to the dock. As we drew near, I noticed a tall figure standing ready and waiting, one dressed in pure white with flowing white beard and hair. Upon his finger was a ring with a flaming red stone, one I had never known him to possess.
"Gandalf?" I whispered, heart rising into my throat.
The old wizard greeted all those who approached, and then turned his gaze upon me. In his eyes I saw all the sparkle of a youth and the desire to rest of one who has seen too much. He smiled gently. "Lady Greenleaf," he greeted. "It is such a pleasure to have you and Lord Greenleaf here on our departure."
I nodded, not trusting my voice for several moments as I held the child close to my chest.
Gandalf looked down at the squirming bundle and he laughed. "So this is the child! At last I may meet the young one of such tales and gossip." He laid a hand carefully upon the baby's head, causing Gisele to look up and blink several times. "She has the look of her mother in her eyes," he observed, "as well as the look of her father in her mind." He smiled happily. "What a wonderful face to look upon as we depart these shores."
Again, I looked up wide-eyed at the old wizard. "You are leaving as well."
He nodded. "Yes, Andariel. My time is at an end here as well, and there is no other place that may offer me such peace as the Grey Havens. Please understand."
Sighing, I replied, "I believe I have heard the same words in different order, Gandalf. Please do not waste the effort when I must tell you how much I will miss you."
The late September air had turned chilly while a slight breeze wound its way through the man's beard. Gandalf smiled. "I too shall miss you greatly, Andariel. You are a woman the likes of which I have rarely seen before, and not to be forgotten. If it is any comfort at all, perhaps three hobbits I may send with you to escort you on your way home."
"Three?"
Out of the bushes jumped Merry and Pippin, both out of breath and eyes gleaming. "You managed to give us the slip before, Frodo," Merry said, marching directly down to his friend. "This time we managed to catch on to what you were doing."
"But how did you know I would be here?" Frodo asked quizzically.
Gandalf cleared his throat. "I am afraid it was I who told them. I did not believe that Samwise should ride home alone, and it is clear that perhaps Legolas and Andariel would enjoy the company as well."
Pippin surveyed the group. "Indeed it would be much simpler having a large group comin' back home to the Shire."
As all made their own farewells, I stepped towards Lord Elrond, now unafraid to meet his eyes. "My Lord," I said quietly. "Middle Earth will be lacking your wisdom and gentility with your departure. I thank you kindly for all your help and kindness to me."
The Elf Lord laid his hands upon my shoulders and placed a solemn kiss upon my forehead. "Andariel, you have become close as my own kin. While even my daughter remains behind to share the fate of her husband, so you share the same fate. It has been a pleasure of mine to aid you in as many ways as possible. I shall indeed think fondly upon you."
I moved to Lady Galadriel, a lump in my throat growing with each movement. I lowered my eyes. "My Lady, I will miss you above all else, I think. You are the most wonderful woman I have ever known, and I pray I may hold your wisdom within me."
She smiled kindly, taking my face in her hands. Never had she looked more beautiful and radiant than at that moment, as her eyes betrayed the sadness lingering in her heart. Her magic flowed through me as she touched me, and I shivered as she embraced me. "My little one," she murmured. "Be at peace. You shall live long in happiness and love, and you will not feel the taste of sorrow forever. Namarie."
"Namarie," I whispered, burying my face in her golden hair.
At last we parted, and I moved to stand beside Frodo, who had already given his farewells to the others who were to remain behind. I crouched down, fighting off tears though they threatened heavily to overwhelm me shortly, and I did not know how much longer I could withstand the effort.
"Goodbye, Frodo. I hope you will finally find a peace better than here."
He nodded, taking my hand in his soft grip, offering me a warm smile of humility and gratitude. "Don't feel so sadly about it, Andariel. We both have had our share of sorrows. You have married Legolas and quite forgotten the tragedy of your own, while I have lain alone and trembling many times out of the year, yearning for peace of mind. I will miss you."
"And I you, my dear hobbit."
The ache in my chest grew as each passenger moved towards the boat. I felt Legolas take me in his arms before I could lose my balance, and I clung to him as all those who I held close prepared to depart forever. Gisele clung to my chest tightly, her small body pressed to me, wide eyes looking out upon the High Elves and the Ringbearers. Perhaps someday she would understand what it was she looked upon. Perhaps someday I would begin to understand completely.
Gray clouds blew in from the east, shadowing the sun and causing a wispy mist to cover the sea as it stretched out into oblivion. I knew not what lay out along the sea, only that it was not in sight of land. I swallowed with difficulty, my throat clenched so tightly I thought my chest would burst. Legolas began singing softly to me of dear friends who shared passionate adventures and who lived on in each other's hearts. The song wrapped itself around me like a blanket, calming me only so that the tears began to fall silently rather than in loud sobs.
I watched as the friendly faces who had supported me and who had seen so much in their times began to move farther and farther away, drifting towards a place that no eye could discern that offered them solace from their troubles. My heart was in great turmoil. It reminded me of watching the Fellowship drifting down the Anduin so long ago as they went about their quest, leaving me behind. So now the High Elves and Ringbearers were leaving me behind to face the world without their wisdom, their knowledge, their compassion. Whatever they imparted was already within me, and would be passed on to my children. Dark tears rolled down my face as I waved absently to the shadowy figures until they were no longer within sight. So passed on the companions who had guided me and cared for me, the Third Age of Middle Earth, and the Age of the Rings of Power, never to be seen upon Middle Earth again.
*A/N: This is NOT the end. I still have just a few more chapters to do. Trust me, I will let you know when it is complete.