Title: The End of Time
Disclaimer: They aren't mine. Well, actually, Silros is, and so is Elwen. Kinda
Author's Notes: Okay, so this is somewhat of a departure for me. It's definitely longer than anything i've written before and it has a different flavour to it. (shrug) I like it though.
Warning: One very small slashy moment. PLEASE don't let that frighten you away. I think you can enjoy the story despite it. At least give it a try?
**The End of Time**
Legolas strolled casually down the familiar corridor. Aragorn had summoned him to Minas Tirith on what he'd claimed was a matter of political importance and the Elf had just arrived. This was nothing new, as Aragorn often asked Legolas' advice on problematic issues. Smiling to himself, Legolas wondered what the difficulty was going to be this time. Probably nothing more than his old friend being overly ambitious as usual.
As he walked the Elf thought of how much the city had changed in all the years that Aragorn had been king. The streets were packed with children who need not worry about anything beyond if it was going to rain. There was plenty of food available and everyone had a job to do. The gardens, thanks in part to Legolas, had been replanted and were flourishing. Gimli and his kin had helped rebuild the city walls and somewhat redesign the city streets. Arwen's influence inside the palace itself was undeniable. The colors and designs of everything from candlesticks to tables to tapestries were definitely of Elven influence.
Legolas smiled warmly as he spotted three figures approaching, and as they neared, smiles appeared on their faces as well. The youngest of the girls broke away from the other two and ran up to him, winding her arms about his neck and kissing him on the cheek. "Welcome back, fair Legolas!" Legolas laughed and returned the embrace.
"Thank you Silros." By this time the other two had caught up and Legolas greeted Aragorn's elder children. Keeping one arm draped loosely around Silros' shoulder Legolas embraced Elwen with the other. Eldarion he hadn't seen in quite some time and he was amazed at how much the young Man looked like his father at that age. The Elf offered his hand to Eldarion who accepted it firmly. "It is wonderful to see the three of you again. Even better to see you all together. You girls grow more beautiful each time we meet and Eldarion, you look so much like your father."
Elwen smiled sweetly, looking much like her mother. "Thank you, Legolas. You look the same as ever." To her searching eyes, however, there was a certain sadness about Legolas and she was certain she knew the cause. Every once in a while, even here in the city, the seagull's cry would reach her ears. She knew the sea birds were more frequent in southern Ithilien where this royal Elf lived. Surely that was a yearning for the Sea that shadowed his expression.
Legolas laughed slightly. "That is the curse of my people."
Eldarion, ever the prince, came to the point quickly but without insult. "Have you come to see Father? He'll be most pleased to see you."
"Yes, he summoned me several days ago but I was unable to leave until this morning. I assume he's in his office?"
Silros tightened her arm almost imperceptibly around Legolas' waist. "He was a few moments ago. We have just come from there."
"Indeed we have, and he gave me some errands to do, so I must be off. Will you be dining with us tonight?" Eldarion asked.
"Of course. Go take care of business and I will see you this evening." Legolas clasped the Prince's hand again before the young Man smiled and continued down the corridor.
"I also must leave as I am taking care of the city children this afternoon," Elwen apologized.
"I am sorry for keeping you." Legolas kissed the princess' hand. "I look forward to seeing you tonight."
Legolas watched Elwen depart before turning his eyes to Silros. She had always been his favorite of Aragorn's children. Possibly because she was an exact balance of Humanity and Elvendom. She could be as outgoing as any of the race of Men or as quiet and sensitive as the Eldar. He found her most charming. "And you, young Silros, is there something...or someone...you need to be off to?"
Silros gave Legolas a small smile. "There never is anyone, Legolas, you know that. I am a friend to all men but a lover to none. Of course this is not my choice but it seems to be my fate. As for any duties, I have already completed them for today, so the rest of the afternoon is mine."
"Ah, I see. Would you mind taking a few minutes of your afternoon to accompany me to Elessar's office?"
Silros took Legolas offered arm and smiled. "Of course."
The two walked in silence until they reached a large carven door. "I will leave you here," Silros said sweetly. "Do you mind if I visit with Arod?"
Legolas smiled at the girl. She had always been a great lover of animals, especially horses. "I'm sure Arod would not mind your company. He probably wouldn't even mind a gentle ride."
Silros' gentle face lit up. "Thank you, Legolas. I'll take good care of him."
"I know you will. Have a good ride and I'll see you at dinner." Legolas kissed Silros' brow then smiled gently and watched as she retreated down the corridor. Before she vanished around the corner Silros glanced back at Legolas over her shoulder. A strange expression passed across her face and Legolas was unable to decipher it. With an elegant shrug, Legolas turned and knocked on the door before him.
A strong voice beckoned Legolas inside and the Elf pushed the door open. Sitting behind a large desk was Aragorn. Legolas studied his friend closely. His once dark hair was now snow white and his face was lined with wrinkles. He still sounded and acted the same, though.
The King rose to his feet and embraced the Elf. "Welcome, old friend. It is good to see your fair face again. You look as young as you did the day I met you all those years ago."
Legolas reached slender fingers out and gently traced Aragorn's jaw. "I wish I could say the same about you Estel," he said sadly. "You have aged gracefully, though." In truth, Legolas could not believe how much older Aragorn looked now than when Legolas had last visited a year ago.
Aragorn smiled then turned to a small table in the corner. "Thank you. Wine?"
Legolas laughed. "When have I ever turned down wine?"
The King filled two goblets with dark clover wine. "True enough." He turned and handed a glass to the Elf. "So how go things in Ithilien?" The King sat on a lounge and gestured for Legolas to sit as he lit his pipe.
Legolas sank into a soft chair near the lounge. "Things are good. My people are really very happy. I'm actually a bit surprised that the land is so peaceful." He gave a light laugh. "I'm not quite sure what to do with all the time I have on my hands."
The two talked until the sun disappeared over the horizon. Much time was spent reminiscing. They had nearly finished the bottle of wine and sat in silence. Suddenly Aragorn sighed heavily and rose, pacing the room before stopping to stare out the window. Below him, the lights of the city twinkled and the banners fluttered in the cold breeze. Aragorn drew a steeling breath and braced himself against the windowsill with one hand.
"Legolas, I asked you to come for a reason. I have something I need to tell you...something that I know you won't want to hear." Aragorn sighed again. "I do not regret what I have to say only the pain I know it will cause you." Releasing his grip on the windowsill, Aragorn turned to face Legolas. The confusion written on the Elf's face almost made Aragorn change his mind. He had hoped that Legolas would have figured out where this was going, but despite his many years Legolas could be so maddeningly innocent and naive. "Legolas, tomorrow I will turn the crown over to Eldarion."
Legolas' understanding was instantaneous and he leapt to his feet. "No! Aragorn, you cannot do that! You...you still have so much left to do, so much left to give!" His voice was desperate, his eyes pleading. Tears flowed freely down his cheeks and he felt his heart breaking into a million pieces.
Aragorn slowly approached his friend. "Legolas, I am old. I have accomplished much and it is time for someone else to take over." He reached out and with rough fingers gently wiped away Legolas' tears. "Legolas, if any one can understand this, it is you. The fact is I grow weary of this world and I am anxious to see what lies on the other side." Once again he tenderly brushed fresh tears from Legolas' fair face. "Do not cry for me, Greenleaf. I am happy with the life I have lived and I have no regrets about what I must do. Legolas, you knew this day would come."
Legolas nodded. "Yes, I know. Knowing, however, is different than doing." He fell silent for a moment, then a thought occurred to him. "You haven't told your children."
Aragorn shook his head. "I will tell them tomorrow when I tell Arwen."
"You haven't told Arwen yet?!" Legolas glared at his friend.
"I do not wish for this to drag on. I know Arwen will understand, but I don't want her to grieve overlong before the fact. I plan on spending a quiet evening alone with my family and I wish you to join us for you are as a brother to me."
Legolas shook his head sadly. "I do not think I could bear to sit through the evening knowing what I know, and knowing that they do not." He regarded his friend with tear-filled eyes. "While I wish to stay with you until the end I do not think my heart could bear it. Please don't be angry with me for choosing to leave tonight."
Aragorn embraced the Elf and held him tightly as Legolas sobbed into the King's shoulder. "I could never be angry with you. I knew this would cause you great pain." Aragorn stroked Legolas' smooth hair. "You may depart whenever you wish."
The Elf clung to Aragorn for many minutes then sniffled and pulled away. His keen eyes examined his old friend one last time, taking in every detail. Finally Legolas' gaze drifted to the window and he realized that the stars were high in the sky. "Estel, the evening grows late. Go have dinner with your family and please give them my apologies for not being there."
Aragorn inclined his head. "Of course." A pregnant pause filled the air. "Journey safely, Greenleaf."
"I always do." The wind whistled outside the window, providing a momentary break. "I shall miss you." The words were so soft that Aragorn almost didn't hear them. Legolas embraced the King once again then impulsively brushed his lips across Aragorn's, the fleeting contact as soft as butterfly wings. Legolas took a step back and smiled weakly at his friend before turning and fleeing the palace. He claimed Arod from the stables and trusted the animal to find their way home since his own eyes were clouded with tears.
Disclaimer: They aren't mine. Well, actually, Silros is, and so is Elwen. Kinda
Author's Notes: Okay, so this is somewhat of a departure for me. It's definitely longer than anything i've written before and it has a different flavour to it. (shrug) I like it though.
Warning: One very small slashy moment. PLEASE don't let that frighten you away. I think you can enjoy the story despite it. At least give it a try?
**The End of Time**
Legolas strolled casually down the familiar corridor. Aragorn had summoned him to Minas Tirith on what he'd claimed was a matter of political importance and the Elf had just arrived. This was nothing new, as Aragorn often asked Legolas' advice on problematic issues. Smiling to himself, Legolas wondered what the difficulty was going to be this time. Probably nothing more than his old friend being overly ambitious as usual.
As he walked the Elf thought of how much the city had changed in all the years that Aragorn had been king. The streets were packed with children who need not worry about anything beyond if it was going to rain. There was plenty of food available and everyone had a job to do. The gardens, thanks in part to Legolas, had been replanted and were flourishing. Gimli and his kin had helped rebuild the city walls and somewhat redesign the city streets. Arwen's influence inside the palace itself was undeniable. The colors and designs of everything from candlesticks to tables to tapestries were definitely of Elven influence.
Legolas smiled warmly as he spotted three figures approaching, and as they neared, smiles appeared on their faces as well. The youngest of the girls broke away from the other two and ran up to him, winding her arms about his neck and kissing him on the cheek. "Welcome back, fair Legolas!" Legolas laughed and returned the embrace.
"Thank you Silros." By this time the other two had caught up and Legolas greeted Aragorn's elder children. Keeping one arm draped loosely around Silros' shoulder Legolas embraced Elwen with the other. Eldarion he hadn't seen in quite some time and he was amazed at how much the young Man looked like his father at that age. The Elf offered his hand to Eldarion who accepted it firmly. "It is wonderful to see the three of you again. Even better to see you all together. You girls grow more beautiful each time we meet and Eldarion, you look so much like your father."
Elwen smiled sweetly, looking much like her mother. "Thank you, Legolas. You look the same as ever." To her searching eyes, however, there was a certain sadness about Legolas and she was certain she knew the cause. Every once in a while, even here in the city, the seagull's cry would reach her ears. She knew the sea birds were more frequent in southern Ithilien where this royal Elf lived. Surely that was a yearning for the Sea that shadowed his expression.
Legolas laughed slightly. "That is the curse of my people."
Eldarion, ever the prince, came to the point quickly but without insult. "Have you come to see Father? He'll be most pleased to see you."
"Yes, he summoned me several days ago but I was unable to leave until this morning. I assume he's in his office?"
Silros tightened her arm almost imperceptibly around Legolas' waist. "He was a few moments ago. We have just come from there."
"Indeed we have, and he gave me some errands to do, so I must be off. Will you be dining with us tonight?" Eldarion asked.
"Of course. Go take care of business and I will see you this evening." Legolas clasped the Prince's hand again before the young Man smiled and continued down the corridor.
"I also must leave as I am taking care of the city children this afternoon," Elwen apologized.
"I am sorry for keeping you." Legolas kissed the princess' hand. "I look forward to seeing you tonight."
Legolas watched Elwen depart before turning his eyes to Silros. She had always been his favorite of Aragorn's children. Possibly because she was an exact balance of Humanity and Elvendom. She could be as outgoing as any of the race of Men or as quiet and sensitive as the Eldar. He found her most charming. "And you, young Silros, is there something...or someone...you need to be off to?"
Silros gave Legolas a small smile. "There never is anyone, Legolas, you know that. I am a friend to all men but a lover to none. Of course this is not my choice but it seems to be my fate. As for any duties, I have already completed them for today, so the rest of the afternoon is mine."
"Ah, I see. Would you mind taking a few minutes of your afternoon to accompany me to Elessar's office?"
Silros took Legolas offered arm and smiled. "Of course."
The two walked in silence until they reached a large carven door. "I will leave you here," Silros said sweetly. "Do you mind if I visit with Arod?"
Legolas smiled at the girl. She had always been a great lover of animals, especially horses. "I'm sure Arod would not mind your company. He probably wouldn't even mind a gentle ride."
Silros' gentle face lit up. "Thank you, Legolas. I'll take good care of him."
"I know you will. Have a good ride and I'll see you at dinner." Legolas kissed Silros' brow then smiled gently and watched as she retreated down the corridor. Before she vanished around the corner Silros glanced back at Legolas over her shoulder. A strange expression passed across her face and Legolas was unable to decipher it. With an elegant shrug, Legolas turned and knocked on the door before him.
A strong voice beckoned Legolas inside and the Elf pushed the door open. Sitting behind a large desk was Aragorn. Legolas studied his friend closely. His once dark hair was now snow white and his face was lined with wrinkles. He still sounded and acted the same, though.
The King rose to his feet and embraced the Elf. "Welcome, old friend. It is good to see your fair face again. You look as young as you did the day I met you all those years ago."
Legolas reached slender fingers out and gently traced Aragorn's jaw. "I wish I could say the same about you Estel," he said sadly. "You have aged gracefully, though." In truth, Legolas could not believe how much older Aragorn looked now than when Legolas had last visited a year ago.
Aragorn smiled then turned to a small table in the corner. "Thank you. Wine?"
Legolas laughed. "When have I ever turned down wine?"
The King filled two goblets with dark clover wine. "True enough." He turned and handed a glass to the Elf. "So how go things in Ithilien?" The King sat on a lounge and gestured for Legolas to sit as he lit his pipe.
Legolas sank into a soft chair near the lounge. "Things are good. My people are really very happy. I'm actually a bit surprised that the land is so peaceful." He gave a light laugh. "I'm not quite sure what to do with all the time I have on my hands."
The two talked until the sun disappeared over the horizon. Much time was spent reminiscing. They had nearly finished the bottle of wine and sat in silence. Suddenly Aragorn sighed heavily and rose, pacing the room before stopping to stare out the window. Below him, the lights of the city twinkled and the banners fluttered in the cold breeze. Aragorn drew a steeling breath and braced himself against the windowsill with one hand.
"Legolas, I asked you to come for a reason. I have something I need to tell you...something that I know you won't want to hear." Aragorn sighed again. "I do not regret what I have to say only the pain I know it will cause you." Releasing his grip on the windowsill, Aragorn turned to face Legolas. The confusion written on the Elf's face almost made Aragorn change his mind. He had hoped that Legolas would have figured out where this was going, but despite his many years Legolas could be so maddeningly innocent and naive. "Legolas, tomorrow I will turn the crown over to Eldarion."
Legolas' understanding was instantaneous and he leapt to his feet. "No! Aragorn, you cannot do that! You...you still have so much left to do, so much left to give!" His voice was desperate, his eyes pleading. Tears flowed freely down his cheeks and he felt his heart breaking into a million pieces.
Aragorn slowly approached his friend. "Legolas, I am old. I have accomplished much and it is time for someone else to take over." He reached out and with rough fingers gently wiped away Legolas' tears. "Legolas, if any one can understand this, it is you. The fact is I grow weary of this world and I am anxious to see what lies on the other side." Once again he tenderly brushed fresh tears from Legolas' fair face. "Do not cry for me, Greenleaf. I am happy with the life I have lived and I have no regrets about what I must do. Legolas, you knew this day would come."
Legolas nodded. "Yes, I know. Knowing, however, is different than doing." He fell silent for a moment, then a thought occurred to him. "You haven't told your children."
Aragorn shook his head. "I will tell them tomorrow when I tell Arwen."
"You haven't told Arwen yet?!" Legolas glared at his friend.
"I do not wish for this to drag on. I know Arwen will understand, but I don't want her to grieve overlong before the fact. I plan on spending a quiet evening alone with my family and I wish you to join us for you are as a brother to me."
Legolas shook his head sadly. "I do not think I could bear to sit through the evening knowing what I know, and knowing that they do not." He regarded his friend with tear-filled eyes. "While I wish to stay with you until the end I do not think my heart could bear it. Please don't be angry with me for choosing to leave tonight."
Aragorn embraced the Elf and held him tightly as Legolas sobbed into the King's shoulder. "I could never be angry with you. I knew this would cause you great pain." Aragorn stroked Legolas' smooth hair. "You may depart whenever you wish."
The Elf clung to Aragorn for many minutes then sniffled and pulled away. His keen eyes examined his old friend one last time, taking in every detail. Finally Legolas' gaze drifted to the window and he realized that the stars were high in the sky. "Estel, the evening grows late. Go have dinner with your family and please give them my apologies for not being there."
Aragorn inclined his head. "Of course." A pregnant pause filled the air. "Journey safely, Greenleaf."
"I always do." The wind whistled outside the window, providing a momentary break. "I shall miss you." The words were so soft that Aragorn almost didn't hear them. Legolas embraced the King once again then impulsively brushed his lips across Aragorn's, the fleeting contact as soft as butterfly wings. Legolas took a step back and smiled weakly at his friend before turning and fleeing the palace. He claimed Arod from the stables and trusted the animal to find their way home since his own eyes were clouded with tears.