Disclaimer: AU Story. My third large LOTR fic. I can't stop! None of the characters or settings are mine. They all belong to Tolkien. I wish I were related to Tolkien, don't you? It would be so cool! Oh, and the plot here is derived from my own imagination. Hope you enjoy.

Shirebound: I know! I love doing reunions! I'd like to do a Gandalf one someday, just to see if I can. Hope you enjoy following chapters!

Lil*bee: I'm so sorry! Your comment inspired a Legolas-y chapter so I guess this is dedicated to you.

Violet: Thank you a hundred times over for your beautiful comments! I was really moved. Me too; I had a dream about Frodo leaving the Grey Havens once and it made me cry afterwards! You a fan of Frodo? I'm so pleased that you are having a good read here.

~ Chapter Six ~

"Gimli! No, that is not you. Can it be?"

"Who else comes eye-level with your knees and carries an axe?" the dwarf grumbled. Legolas, his face almost splitting with his smile, picked Gimli up and hugged him close.

"Gimli, oh my dear friend! I have missed you more than you can imagine!"

"Put me down! Put me down!"

The elf obeyed. He bent down to engulf his companion in yet another embrace and then drew back to study Gimli's face.

"You never age," he said. Then laughed. "Dear Gimli! It is so good to see you again! But why on earth have you come?"

"To see you, of course," Gimli cried, as if this was obvious. This time, the dwarf put his arms round Legolas and he laughed as well. "Legolas, you old fool. Well, not really old. Still immortal then?"

"Yes, I am still holding on. But come, you must come and meet the rest of my kin. They have stayed up many nights to hear me speak of you."

Dwarf and elf walked back into Mirkwood, conversing with great delight. It was almost as if they glowed together. As brightly as the stars.

--

Night was becoming old and the moon was paling in the sky. Aragorn gazed up at it as he sat up on the North wall of Osgiliath. His eyes ached from peering into the distance. He was waiting so impatiently for something to happen. Anything! But still the world seemed to be peace and all affairs remained in order. Nothing was out of place or amiss and only the dark of the lingering twilight now darkened the horizons. The king wondered briefly if there was a star for those that have fallen. Boromir, Théoden, Haldir.. He liked to imagine so. That the light of their lives still existed and had not been entirely doused. The void stretched out before him, more complicated with every look. The first song of birds commenced in a small chorus. A flock rose up from a tree and fluttered off in all directions, spreading the word of morning.

Aragorn put his hands to the wall and got to his feet. Almost as soon as he had, he heard the approach of footsteps. Faramir waved to him as he walked along the ramparts. He gave his friend one glance and raised an eyebrow.

"You did not sleep at all?"

"I am too full of energy to even close my eyes, Faramir," the man chuckled, "Let a lone sleep."

They stood in silence for sometime, gazing out as the world began to wake. Gold spread out over the fields and cast bronze shadows across the river. The sun's fiery head appeared at the east and the sounds of life drifted up from the city behind them.

"Does Arwen know where you are?" asked Faramir softly. Aragorn nodded.

"She understood. I do not know what my people will think of me but.. Arwen understands these things. She knows when I need to be alone."

"Forgive me, for I do not," his comrade replied, "Do you wish to be alone now?"

"Just for a while, yes. But do not think I abhor your company! It's just-"

"I know," laughed Faramir. He turned to depart, then paused. "Aragorn.. you sent out those riders to find out what is happening. To see if anything is happening at all. But I still not really understand. Do you think that trouble approaches?"

The man thought about this for a time. Then he said,

"No. I know something is coming but I do not believe it is bad. Just new. Just.. unexpected."

--

Tharandúil's meal was suddenly interrupted by a rapid knocking on the doors.

"Tulya," he said and his son walked into the room.

"Legolas- and who is this?" he cried, getting to his feet. But his consternation changed to gladness as he saw the dwarf standing sheepishly beside Legolas. "Ah, I take it that this is the famous Gimli, son of Gloìn. Mae govannen! Well met indeed."

Legolas was pleased at his father's response and amused at his friend's.

"The dwarves are upon you, my lord! And never have I seen such a place so rich with beauty and merriment."

Tharandúil beamed.

"I am glad. Well, if you are planning to stay a while in Mirkwood then you will have to relate a few tales every night before you sleep! My elves have heard much from my son of your homeland. Legolas, please show our guest to a place where he may rest. You must have travelled far, Gimli."

"Not long," the dwarf replied proudly as his friend showed him from the room. The elf-king shook his head with a smile and then sat down to finish his food.