Wheee, last chapter, and yet, the disclaimer is still the same...
"When you're all alone, looking at the stars,
Find the one who's glow is brighter.
That's my soul looking over you,
And you'll know it when your heart feels lighter."
Celebrian stood out by the sea, her long dress billowing in the wind. Long brown hair gently floated around slender shoulders, as a silver necklace twinkled in the sun. Grey eyes watched the horizon, looking for any sign of the ship that would bring her loved ones to her. She felt them nearing, getting closer to the Havens.
A wave crashed onto the shore, and over the whitecaps she could see the top of a sail. Feet running swiftly across the sand, she halted at the waters edge awaiting her family. The waves stopped just before her, tickling her toes. But in her mind, she wasn't aware of all this. She was only thinking of being reunited with those that she missed the most.
When the ship finally set anchor, the few elves aboard filled the rowboats and came to shore. Celebrian looked at each smiling face, and waited for the ones that meant the most to her.
Finally, on the last rowboat, she saw Elladan. Her heart paused when she noticed that he was alone; the love of her life and her son were both missing.
Elladan stepped out of the boat, his feet lightly landing on the sand. His skin was tanned from the days at sea, which brought out the shadow in his eyes. In one hand was a tightly clutched letter, and in the other a pack of his most precious belongings.
He smiled warmly as his Nana took him into her arms. All of a sudden, it seemed as if all his worries and all his fears had disappeared. Being held like this, by his mother, just made everything better. Breathing in deeply, he could smell the fragrance of violets, his mother's favorite flower.
After a few long moments, Celebrian released him, and asked, "Where is your brother and father?"
Elladan bowed his head, not able to face his mother. Celebrian, sensing the inner turmoil, hooked her finger under his chin and gently brought his face up until he looked her in the eye.
"Ro...," Elladan's bottom lip trembled slightly. Somehow, telling this to his mother was the hardest thing he had ever done in his life. "Ro didn't make it. Ada is staying for Estel."
Celebrian's heart felt as if it were clamped in a vise. Her youngest son was lost to her. How was she supposed to see his beautiful eyes or hear his wonderful laugh now?
She quickly wrapped Elladan in her arms again, and held him as she used to when he had nightmares. When he had finally composed himself, he reached inside his robes and pulled out the letter. Handing it to his mother, he watched as she smiled and put it inside one of the pockets on her dress. Elladan put an arm around his mothers shoulder, and led her away from the shore. "Who is Estel?" Celebrian asked after a few moments.
Elladan threw his head back and laughed, before a mischievous twinkle appeared in his eyes.
"Mother dearest, let me tell you of the little horror that Ada took into our home a few years ago..."
-Years Later, after the Battle for Middle Earth-
Aragorn looked over towards Legolas and smiled. The ranger had just been crowned King three days ago, and he was now holding a ceremony. A ceremony in honor of his brother. For today was the anniversary of Elrohir's death.
A great statue stood before them, in Aragorn's new courtyard. It was two mighty elves, identical in every way. Except for the rings on their fingers, one of which matched the one Legolas wore. Below the statue were the words, "A sacrifice born, is a miracle given. Bless those who gave their lives for the King. Elladan and Elrohir Peredhil."
"They would be proud of you, my son." Elrond put an arm around Aragorn, now known as Elessar. The Elf Lord looked up at the statue and smiled. "They are proud of you." He corrected.
Aragorn nodded, and looked towards his city. His city. He had never wanted this responsibility, but had accepted the burden. The people were celebrating, as Aragorn had made this a holiday. Not only to honor his brothers, but to honor all who died on the battlefield defending Middle Earth.
"You will be leaving soon?" Aragorn asked his father.
Elrond slowly nodded, the both of them knowing what that meant. Elrond wasn't leaving Gondor...he was leaving Middle Earth.
"I daresay you can handle it from here on, Estel. Especially with Legolas by your side. The people of Gondor are faithful to you, as the rest of Middle Earth. In their eyes, you are a great and noble King. A strong and proud man. They are grateful to have you leading them. And so, it is my time to depart these shores, and keep the promise I gave to my love."
"I will accompany you, to the shore." Aragorn said.
"No, my son, you cannot. Gondor has much work, and her King cannot be out traveling the countryside. You have a duty, to stay here and rebuild the city." Said Elrond, gently.
In his heart, Aragorn knew that these were words of wisdom. But he did not want to think of never seeing his Ada again.
Elrond felt the emotions pouring from his son, and also felt his heart slowly ripping in two again. His eyes were suddenly moist and he found it hard to swallow.
"Just remember, I love you, and I always will." Elrond embraced his son, as Aragorn whispered the words back.
Legolas stood off to the side, and yelped slightly when Aragorn pulled him into the hug. When Elrond sniffed and straightened up, he turned towards Legolas.
"I want you to keep an eye on him. No dangerous stunts or letting him hurl himself into trouble."
"Hey, now wait just a -" Aragorn was cut off.
"I don't want him chasing after the remaining Uruk-Hai's by himself either. You know how stubborn he is."
"That is the most-" Aragorn started again, but Elrond clapped a hand over his mouth.
"Also, make sure he washes behind his ears. He has the habit of forgetting that."
Legolas nodded while snickering, and Aragorn turned beet red. Pulling his fathers hand off of his mouth, he said,
"I'm a KING now Ada, I think I can wash behind my ears just fine."
Elrond raised and eyebrow, which caused Aragorn to glower.
"You might be a King, but you're still my little Estel." Elrond leaned over and planted a kiss on Aragorn's brow. "I will miss you greatly."
"And I you, ada."
"We will await your arrival, Legolas." Elrond bowed slightly, as Legolas nodded.
"Farewell, my son. Take care of him Legolas." They both nodded, and said farewell.
Elrond took one last look around, before swiftly walking out of the courtyard, his robes dragging slightly behind him making the elf look like he was gliding.
Aragorn stood still for a few moments before running up to the tallest tower in Gondor. Legolas' brow furrowed, before he followed after.
Once at the top, he leaned out the window and watched as Elrond and the rest of the elves departed Middle Earth. The statue standing below seemed to brighten just before they passed from Aragorn's field of vision.
-Many Years Later-
Legolas sighed as he ran his hands over the decaying railing in Rivendell. Aragorn has passed away five days ago, and the Mirkwood Elf had decided to visit the old elf home once more before he sailed. The passing of his best friend...his brother...was a serious wound to his heart. There was nothing left in Middle Earth for him anymore. He was the last of his kind who remained here.
Looking around, he remembered the splendor that used to be Rivendell. The halls bustling full of activity, elves rushing about during their day. The Elflings practicing archery while Glorfindel ducked stray arrows.
That last one brought a slight smile to his face. He remembered the time Aragorn had accidentally shot Glorfindel in the leg. It wasn't a serious wound, but it bled a lot. Aragorn had never been more terrified in his life.
Vines and dirt had entered the rooms of Imladris, and dust coated every surface. He went to the room that Aragorn used to live in, and had to smile. It seemed as if time had frozen. Aragorn’s old clothing were still all over the room, various things he used to own covering the dresser. The bed was unmade, and looked as if several animals had made it their home. Shaking his head, Legolas walked out and to the courtyard. It brought back memories, standing here. The day they had brought Elrohir's body back, the day he had brought Aragorn back with the human barely alive. Now, the stables were falling down, having been unused for years.
Imladris seemed darker somehow. The trees missed the glow of the elves, and the river seemed to moan the pain of their departure.
Legolas decided to go to a place he hadn't been to in years...Elrohir's grave. It was just beyond the hill, a short walk from where he was standing.
Arriving at the stone, he brushed some of the dirt and plant life from it.
"Elrohir, mellon nin. I hope you and Aragorn are causing lots of trouble in Mandos." Legolas laughed. "I miss you, my friend, and tell Aragorn I miss him also. Namaarie." Legolas kissed his hand and placed it on the grave, before departing Rivendell for the last time. The blonde elf made his way to the shore, and set sail.
The time of the elves, was now over.
Aragorn awoke to a bright light, and someone calling his name. He blinked his eyes and tried to bring them into focus.
"Aragorn? Come on little brother, you can't sleep forever!"
Aragorn paused, his breath catching in his throat. That couldn't be...could it?
"Elrohir!" Aragorn threw his arms around his brother.
"Yeah, who else did you expect!" Elrohir laughed and hugged his brother.
Aragorn stood up, and looked around. There was white everywhere. He noticed that he was wearing the softest white robe he had ever felt.
"So, I'm dead then?" Aragorn asked.
"Yeah, but it's not so bad. The loneliness was the downer, but you're here now!" Elrohir smiled, and hugged Aragorn again.
"Yes, welcome Aragorn, son of Arathorn." A voice boomed from behind them, and they both jumped and turned around.
Aragorn gasped. Before him, was the great and mighty Mandos. He was tall, and power radiated from his being.
"Now," Mandos began, "I have something I want to discuss with you two."
THE END!
EPILOGUE!
Elrond lay back on the grass, with Celebrian stretched out across his chest. His arm covered her shoulders, as Legolas sang softly nearby. Elladan was looking over the hill and at the water below them.
"Tell me again about the time Estel shot Glorfindel." Celebrian said lazily, tracing circles on Elrond's chest.
Elrond chuckled, and looked at his wife. "That story is your favorite, isn't it?"
Celebrian smiled sweetly. "I can't help it if picturing Glorfindel like that is so amusing to me." She sighed. "I wish I could have met Estel. He sounds like a great man."
"Well, I wouldn't say GREAT. He was just a little above average." Said a voice behind them.
Legolas stopped singing and Elladan jumped around. Elrond flung himself upwards almost knocking his wife to the ground in the process. Muttering an apology, he steadied her and looked at the owner of the voice.
"Come now Elrohir, I was great. Admit it." Aragorn laughed, then yelped in surprise as several elves threw themselves at him and Elrohir.
"I think," Elrohir squeaked, "they're happy to see us."
Aragorn couldn't answer, as he was at the bottom of the pile of bodies.
Once everyone had gotten back up, Elrond looked at his two smiling sons. "How did...how can you be here?"
"Mandos granted us passage here, after our great deeds on Middle Earth. This is our reward." Elrohir said.
Elrond smiled, and hugged his sons again. "Welcome home."
THE END!
Sacrifice Born From Love
Copyright © TrinityTheSheDevil, 2003.
"Don't weep over me brother,
I'm not there to catch your tears.
Don't weep over me brother,
I'll be in your heart forever, don't fear.
My gift to you was a sacrifice born from love,
And if you ever need me, just look above.
Why do you blame yourself?
The choice was all mine.
How can you pain yourself,
Into thinking you're fine?
Don't weep over me brother,
I'm not there to catch your tears.
Don't weep over me brother,
I'll be in your heart forever, don't fear.
My gift to you was a sacrifice born from love,
And if you ever need me, just look above.
Choices made are promises broken,
And I'm sorry I can't be there forever.
I gladly gave my life for yours,
So hope wouldn't wane forever.
Don't weep over me brother,
I'm not there to catch your tears.
Don't weep over me brother,
I'll be in your heart forever, don't fear.
My gift to you was a sacrifice born from love,
And if you ever need me, just look above.
Death is bitter, but life was sweet,
And in those memories you'll find me.
The whisper of the wind, the caress on your cheek,
As peace will finally bind me.
Don't weep over me brother,
I'm not there to catch your tears.
Don't weep over me brother,
I'll be in your heart forever, don't fear.
My gift to you was a sacrifice born from love,
And if you ever need me, just look above.
When the time comes that you need me beside you,
I'll be right there holding your hand.
You'll find the strength inside yourself,
And venture on because you know you can.
Don't weep over me brother,
I'm not there to catch your tears.
Don't weep over me brother,
I'll be in your heart forever, don't fear.
My gift to you was a sacrifice born from love,
And if you ever need me, just look above.
When you're all alone, looking at the stars,
Find the one who's glow is brighter.
That's my soul looking over you,
And you'll know it when your heart feels lighter.
Don't weep over me brother,
I'm not there to catch your tears.
Don't weep over me brother,
I'll be in your heart forever, don't fear.
My gift to you was a sacrifice born from love,
And if you ever need me, just look above."
Reviews -
Lady of Legolas - Funny, I get that reaction a LOT with this fic. The crying I mean. ;) LOL. wonder why...;)
Loopy - Another one who is in tears? Wow...starts investing in tissues ;) LOL!
Sue - I hope the last chapter came out as emotional as the first five. ;) After five chapters, things get repetitive in my opinion. LOL. Thanks for reviewing:)
goblz - blinks Stay outta my mind! ;) I brought him back though...kind of...;)
Zoya - LOL thanks for the tip. My first angst fic...so...shrugs. ;) I'll keep that in mind for future fics though! D Thanks for reviewing.
Alida-Fruit - I think a lot of people are glad I didn't kill Aragorn. Ummm...in chapter five I mean...er..runs ahem Thanks for reviewing:D
Well, that's the end of this fic! I hope everyone enjoyed it, and I may do more angst fics in the future. (Have one planned out at the moment...) But don't worry, my other fics will get finished...er..sooner or later...LOL! Thanks for all who read and reviewed!