A/N: Not mine. Did last chapter feel like it should be the end? Am I
dragging this out too long? Eh, well we are getting towards the end now. I
guess I should warn you now that this isn't a fairy tale, expect no happily
ever after endings. Sorry kids, my whole goal is to make people cry. Ookay,
so thanks to everyone who has reviewed...I am indebted to you all. Enjoy.
------
Interlude
------
There was a change to be seen in Queen Arwen. In the years that had gone by she had aged very little, a wonder witnessed by all, but out of the mists there seemed to be awoken a new Queen. Always just and fair, she now stood very proud and demanded to be heard and listened to. Her thoughts and counsel were greatly sought after and desired. And she was greatly admired and well respected by all. Those who were old enough to remember said she resembled Tinuviel in face but Galadriel in presence.
But there was something in her eyes that made men stop dead in their tracks and want to weep. So fair and beautiful still was she, yet her eyes looked so dark and sad. There was no light behind them, even when she laughed, and her smile never quite reached her dead eyes. They seemed to hold a story of their own, one so filled with sorrow and woe that is made one want to break down with grief at the mere sight of the violet orbs.
Aragorn noticed this change long before, and identified the change beginning with her arrival back from Lothlorien with Legolas. It as strange indeed, for something great and marvelous was awoken in her, yet something died also. For so long beforehand she had been idle, roaming the halls of Gondor with little interest in anything. He saw her slowly grow into a hallow shell of her former self. But now she was alive and spirited, passionate and gentle, more like the Elven enchantress he met in the woods of Lothlorien so many years ago.
He would have nothing but to share in her joy, but she had built a wall around her heart that no one could penetrate.
She was never cold to him, rude or unjust. She was a loving mother, a just ruler, and an obedient wife, but she always held back just a little part of herself. And he knew the reason why.
Legolas.
He did something to her that brought on the change. Aragorn hated him for it, yet loved him for it. Because he saved Arwen. He brought he back from disappearing and fading. Something he himself could not do, though he didn't try. Everyday she grew wiser, more beautiful, stronger while he diminished and grew frail.
Legolas...
They never spoke of the elf. And everyone was careful to mention him, and even then only of his part in the War of the Ring. No one mentioned Arwen's relationship with the Elven warrior. It was commonly known that no one should mention his name around her, and everyone knew the story why. Despite their great admiration and respect for their Queen, there was always speculation about what exactly was her and Legolas' relationship. Was there some love triangle in the royal house? Did the Queen really love King Elessar? Most of the kingdom always wondered, some even had theories, but no one knew for sure.
Legolas was not seen in Gondor for years after returning the Queen. No one knew of his whereabouts, and many doubted that he remained on Middle Earth, though some still claimed they saw him dwelling in the forests. He was glorified in tales and made legend along with the other 9 walkers. Elves had become a thing of the past, save when they were lucky enough to behold their Queen with their own eyes.
------
There was rain and thunder outside, but inside King Elessar sat warm in his chair upon a dais in the great hall, a blazing fire made the shadows dance in the night. He was warm, but felt very alone. At this point in his life, he began to reflect upon his life and all that he had done. All his decisions, his choices, all his errors and misunderstandings were relived frame by frame. He wondered if he lived a good life, if he was worthy enough to claim the title as the King of Men. Had he fulfilled his destiny to the best of his ability? The answer to that would be discovered in time, though time was not something he had much of.
He was deep in thought when his eyes picked up movement far off on the other side of the hall. Someone had just entered through the doors and was lurking in the shadows. Aragorn could just barely make out a silhouette of a figure, tall and lean, walking carefully towards him. He detected no immediate danger, though something was very peculiar about midnight visitor. Aragorn stood up to his full height, proud and tall, a glimpse of the splendor he could, even in his age, posses.
The visitor moved closer, making little, if any, noise as they walked. Aragorn could hear the droplets of rainwater hit the floor, always drawing closer to him. Then, finally walking into the light, the visitor was revealed to be Legolas.
"Mae govannen," Legolas said as he bowed in respect.
Aragorn was locked in amazement. He thought, like so many, that Legolas had sailed years ago. He had no sight of him in ages and he seemed almost a distant memory. Yet, there he was standing very much alive and real before him. The years had no effect on him; he was just as lithe, strong, and fair as the day Aragorn first met him. Yet in those glittering eyes there was now a deeper wisdom, and perhaps a great deal of pain in the depths. They reminded him very much of Arwen's eyes.
There was a disturbance behind Legolas as guards rushed into the room. "My lord, there is an intruder--" they stopped when they saw Legolas in front of their king. They poised their weapons ready to attack, but Aragorn halted them with his hand.
"No," he said, "This is Legolas, a friend of mine from the past." The guards relaxed but did not leave until Aragorn begged them to give them some peace.
With the initial shock gone, Aragorn now turned back to the elf. It was ironic to him, that he should be in the state of weakness as he was, with Legolas who was centuries older than him, looking nothing more than a boy.
"Forgive me. It is not everyday that one encounters someone whom they proposed was long gone, walking before them again."
Legolas said nothing. His eyes followed Aragorn as he pace about the room.
"Why is it that after all these years, you have finally chosen to reveal yourself to me again?"
"I came to look upon he, whose friendship I kept close to my heart, in hopes to mend that which was broken."
Legolas was surprised to hear Aragorn's laughter, "So you wish to look upon me now in my pitiful state, and try to make amends before I pass from this earth? To do a dying man a favor..."
"I do not come here for you," Legolas interjected. "I come for myself. I wish to make amends before I pass from this earth." He detected a flicker in the king's eyes, though in a moment it was gone.
"You have finally decided to answer the call of the sea. Alas, though your intentions are noble, too many winters have come and gone, and the time for mending has long passed."
"I have lived to see many more winters than you, Elessar, and many more springs. There is always time for bitterness and resentment, but also of forgiveness."
"What would you have me forgive you?"
"Only for loving that which was always yours. For desiring what I could not have."
Aragorn was silent.
"Yes, I am saying this now, I am in love with Arwen. But she would not have me...because she already had you. We both love her, just the same, though only one of us was lucky enough to have her love in return."
Aragorn had sat back down, his chin resting upon his tightly clasped hands. He was deep in thought, processing all that he had just heard.
"I suppose you were right all along," Legolas continued, "Amin hiraetha." With that he turned to go.
Legolas was almost to the door when he heard Aragorn's voice calling out of the darkness. His keen eyes saw the king with his back towards him, staring into the fire.
"Mellon," his voice was deep and rich in wisdom, "I have long struggled in my dealings with your relationship with Arwen. Even now I know not what to think ... your deceit and betrayal have wounded me gravely."
He was speaking slowly, finding difficultly trying to express all that he was feeling and thinking. Legolas could see by the pained expression on his face, the inner struggle he was battling.
"Though," he continued, "I would not have it that either one of us should pass from this world without me telling you this. I cannot forgive you for loving Arwen. Indeed, that is no fault of your own. I have always loved you and have been blessed with your friendship. I am truly grieved by news of your departure and your company will greatly missed."
Legolas, upon hearing these words, found it extremely difficult to be standing there. In truth, he should be on his knees, repenting for his sin. He was not deserving of Aragorn's forgiveness.
"No. It is I that have been blessed," he replied shakily, "To see the kingdom of Gondor renewed to its splendor by the heir of Isildur, such a man deserving of the name King of Men. And that I should have known him in my lifetime, and fought along side him, with him as my captain...and friend, I say I am truly blessed."
There was silence in the room and Aragorn did not look at him.
"Namarie Estel."
The last memory Legolas had of Aragorn was the old king standing by the fire, one hand bracing the mantle, the other covering his tired face.
------
Legolas was making his way through the dark halls when he came across a corridor which opened to reveal the city below. The rain had stopped and all the world seemed to be fresh and new. The stars played in the blackness of the sky, beautiful and twinkling and urging him to come and play. He breathed in deeply and felt very old.
Suddenly, he heard a gasp behind him. He turned his head and found Arwen staring at him, stopped dead in her tracks.
Inwardly, he cringed. He had wanted to avoid this encounter. But as his eyes met hers, all logic left him. She was dressed in a deep blue gown that matched the sky, and it was now flowing about her like water as the wind played with its layers. A circlet of silver adorned her head with her long hair cascading around her face. It had been quite some time since he had last laid eyes on her and for a moment he wanted to call out, "Tinuviel."
"Legolas," she breathed, chest rising and falling. He did not move not utter a word.
"Have you nothing to say to your Queen?" she asked, uncomfortable under his intense gaze.
The corners of his mouth picked up a little. He found it rather funny, she was putting up a facade which he could see right through. Pursing his lips together, he took a step forward and bowed.
"My lady," his voice sang in her ears. He looked at her again and something chilled in her stomach. He walked past her, leaving her in a state of shock.
"And what of your lover?" Arwen's voice lost all pride and was no filled was helplessness.
Legolas stopped.
"To her I say that I love still. And I am taking my love with my toe the Blessed Realm. There it shall be evergreen..."
"but never more than a memory." Arwen whispered, finishing his sentence as he said it aloud. She had heard the very words long ago. She closed he eyes at the memory of it and the tears that had been threatening to fall slid down her cheeks.
Arwen spun around to follow him.
"Then this is the end of us?" she cried, her voice wavering.
He turned and stood before her. His hand reached to cup her cheek, her skin tingling at the contact. His thumb brushed away her tears, though in a moment they were back again.
"My love, we were over long ago," he didn't say it to spite her, or out of bitterness, but he said it as someone who has accepted it as a truth. He looked at her with gentle and loving eyes and she relished in his touch. Slowly, he kissed the crown of her head and was gone. Arwen opened her eyes at the sudden loss of contact and saw through her tears, his figure walking away from her.
"Legolas!" she cried out as she ran towards him. He turned just as she reached him and embraced him with all of her might.
It was a hug of desperation. She pulled him impossibly closer to herself as if trying to squeeze the very life out of him and into her. Arwen buried her head in his chest and he could feel her tears seep through his clothing. She did not want to let go, knowing that he would leave her. She clung to him, desperately hoping time would stand still.
"I do not want you to go," her words word muffled by his chest. "Amin mela lle." She grasped at him even more, pulling him ever closer.
Legolas said nothing but held her for some time, his hands weaving in and out of her hair. His heart was beating madly at it seemed to him that it was going to burst. She had only said those words to him once before and it weakened him.
Slowly, he removed her hands from around his neck but held them close. He looked at her, as if for the last time, and it grieved him that he should be the cause of her tears.
"Namarie, Undomiel," he whispered. He would have kissed her had it not been for the worry of prying eyes. Instead, he lifted her hands and kissed them softly, he gaze never leaving her eyes. Then he spun on his heel and walked away.
Arwen felt a loneliness as never felt before by any living soul. She braced herself against the railing and sunk to her knees.
------
Days later...
Arwen stood at the top of the highest balcony, facing the West, as the sun sank over the horizon. The sky was painted in deep hues of purples and blues, though Arwen noticed not. She sat there well after sunset and into the night.
Aragorn found her there and brought a lantern to light to the darkened space. He knew she was silently paying tribute to Legolas. He moved to stand next to her and reached for her hand. It was deathly cold.
"It is done then," she spoke, her voice soft and filled with sadness. "The last of my people have finally left the shores of Middle Earth. I am alone."
"Arwen, you are not alone. Do you not still have my love...and the love of your children and all your people?"
She tried to smiled at him. "The Elves have now all journeyed to Valinor, never to return and it grieves my heart. Though I will endure still with you until the end of our days. And that is enough to ease my heart."
King Elessar and Queen Arwen stood aloft the balcony for a moment before venturing back inside. Arwen paused before leaving and looking towards the West, extinguished the light.
------
Mae govannen- Well met Amin hiraetha- I'm sorry Amin mela lle- I love you
P.S. This is NOT the end!!! (
------
Interlude
------
There was a change to be seen in Queen Arwen. In the years that had gone by she had aged very little, a wonder witnessed by all, but out of the mists there seemed to be awoken a new Queen. Always just and fair, she now stood very proud and demanded to be heard and listened to. Her thoughts and counsel were greatly sought after and desired. And she was greatly admired and well respected by all. Those who were old enough to remember said she resembled Tinuviel in face but Galadriel in presence.
But there was something in her eyes that made men stop dead in their tracks and want to weep. So fair and beautiful still was she, yet her eyes looked so dark and sad. There was no light behind them, even when she laughed, and her smile never quite reached her dead eyes. They seemed to hold a story of their own, one so filled with sorrow and woe that is made one want to break down with grief at the mere sight of the violet orbs.
Aragorn noticed this change long before, and identified the change beginning with her arrival back from Lothlorien with Legolas. It as strange indeed, for something great and marvelous was awoken in her, yet something died also. For so long beforehand she had been idle, roaming the halls of Gondor with little interest in anything. He saw her slowly grow into a hallow shell of her former self. But now she was alive and spirited, passionate and gentle, more like the Elven enchantress he met in the woods of Lothlorien so many years ago.
He would have nothing but to share in her joy, but she had built a wall around her heart that no one could penetrate.
She was never cold to him, rude or unjust. She was a loving mother, a just ruler, and an obedient wife, but she always held back just a little part of herself. And he knew the reason why.
Legolas.
He did something to her that brought on the change. Aragorn hated him for it, yet loved him for it. Because he saved Arwen. He brought he back from disappearing and fading. Something he himself could not do, though he didn't try. Everyday she grew wiser, more beautiful, stronger while he diminished and grew frail.
Legolas...
They never spoke of the elf. And everyone was careful to mention him, and even then only of his part in the War of the Ring. No one mentioned Arwen's relationship with the Elven warrior. It was commonly known that no one should mention his name around her, and everyone knew the story why. Despite their great admiration and respect for their Queen, there was always speculation about what exactly was her and Legolas' relationship. Was there some love triangle in the royal house? Did the Queen really love King Elessar? Most of the kingdom always wondered, some even had theories, but no one knew for sure.
Legolas was not seen in Gondor for years after returning the Queen. No one knew of his whereabouts, and many doubted that he remained on Middle Earth, though some still claimed they saw him dwelling in the forests. He was glorified in tales and made legend along with the other 9 walkers. Elves had become a thing of the past, save when they were lucky enough to behold their Queen with their own eyes.
------
There was rain and thunder outside, but inside King Elessar sat warm in his chair upon a dais in the great hall, a blazing fire made the shadows dance in the night. He was warm, but felt very alone. At this point in his life, he began to reflect upon his life and all that he had done. All his decisions, his choices, all his errors and misunderstandings were relived frame by frame. He wondered if he lived a good life, if he was worthy enough to claim the title as the King of Men. Had he fulfilled his destiny to the best of his ability? The answer to that would be discovered in time, though time was not something he had much of.
He was deep in thought when his eyes picked up movement far off on the other side of the hall. Someone had just entered through the doors and was lurking in the shadows. Aragorn could just barely make out a silhouette of a figure, tall and lean, walking carefully towards him. He detected no immediate danger, though something was very peculiar about midnight visitor. Aragorn stood up to his full height, proud and tall, a glimpse of the splendor he could, even in his age, posses.
The visitor moved closer, making little, if any, noise as they walked. Aragorn could hear the droplets of rainwater hit the floor, always drawing closer to him. Then, finally walking into the light, the visitor was revealed to be Legolas.
"Mae govannen," Legolas said as he bowed in respect.
Aragorn was locked in amazement. He thought, like so many, that Legolas had sailed years ago. He had no sight of him in ages and he seemed almost a distant memory. Yet, there he was standing very much alive and real before him. The years had no effect on him; he was just as lithe, strong, and fair as the day Aragorn first met him. Yet in those glittering eyes there was now a deeper wisdom, and perhaps a great deal of pain in the depths. They reminded him very much of Arwen's eyes.
There was a disturbance behind Legolas as guards rushed into the room. "My lord, there is an intruder--" they stopped when they saw Legolas in front of their king. They poised their weapons ready to attack, but Aragorn halted them with his hand.
"No," he said, "This is Legolas, a friend of mine from the past." The guards relaxed but did not leave until Aragorn begged them to give them some peace.
With the initial shock gone, Aragorn now turned back to the elf. It was ironic to him, that he should be in the state of weakness as he was, with Legolas who was centuries older than him, looking nothing more than a boy.
"Forgive me. It is not everyday that one encounters someone whom they proposed was long gone, walking before them again."
Legolas said nothing. His eyes followed Aragorn as he pace about the room.
"Why is it that after all these years, you have finally chosen to reveal yourself to me again?"
"I came to look upon he, whose friendship I kept close to my heart, in hopes to mend that which was broken."
Legolas was surprised to hear Aragorn's laughter, "So you wish to look upon me now in my pitiful state, and try to make amends before I pass from this earth? To do a dying man a favor..."
"I do not come here for you," Legolas interjected. "I come for myself. I wish to make amends before I pass from this earth." He detected a flicker in the king's eyes, though in a moment it was gone.
"You have finally decided to answer the call of the sea. Alas, though your intentions are noble, too many winters have come and gone, and the time for mending has long passed."
"I have lived to see many more winters than you, Elessar, and many more springs. There is always time for bitterness and resentment, but also of forgiveness."
"What would you have me forgive you?"
"Only for loving that which was always yours. For desiring what I could not have."
Aragorn was silent.
"Yes, I am saying this now, I am in love with Arwen. But she would not have me...because she already had you. We both love her, just the same, though only one of us was lucky enough to have her love in return."
Aragorn had sat back down, his chin resting upon his tightly clasped hands. He was deep in thought, processing all that he had just heard.
"I suppose you were right all along," Legolas continued, "Amin hiraetha." With that he turned to go.
Legolas was almost to the door when he heard Aragorn's voice calling out of the darkness. His keen eyes saw the king with his back towards him, staring into the fire.
"Mellon," his voice was deep and rich in wisdom, "I have long struggled in my dealings with your relationship with Arwen. Even now I know not what to think ... your deceit and betrayal have wounded me gravely."
He was speaking slowly, finding difficultly trying to express all that he was feeling and thinking. Legolas could see by the pained expression on his face, the inner struggle he was battling.
"Though," he continued, "I would not have it that either one of us should pass from this world without me telling you this. I cannot forgive you for loving Arwen. Indeed, that is no fault of your own. I have always loved you and have been blessed with your friendship. I am truly grieved by news of your departure and your company will greatly missed."
Legolas, upon hearing these words, found it extremely difficult to be standing there. In truth, he should be on his knees, repenting for his sin. He was not deserving of Aragorn's forgiveness.
"No. It is I that have been blessed," he replied shakily, "To see the kingdom of Gondor renewed to its splendor by the heir of Isildur, such a man deserving of the name King of Men. And that I should have known him in my lifetime, and fought along side him, with him as my captain...and friend, I say I am truly blessed."
There was silence in the room and Aragorn did not look at him.
"Namarie Estel."
The last memory Legolas had of Aragorn was the old king standing by the fire, one hand bracing the mantle, the other covering his tired face.
------
Legolas was making his way through the dark halls when he came across a corridor which opened to reveal the city below. The rain had stopped and all the world seemed to be fresh and new. The stars played in the blackness of the sky, beautiful and twinkling and urging him to come and play. He breathed in deeply and felt very old.
Suddenly, he heard a gasp behind him. He turned his head and found Arwen staring at him, stopped dead in her tracks.
Inwardly, he cringed. He had wanted to avoid this encounter. But as his eyes met hers, all logic left him. She was dressed in a deep blue gown that matched the sky, and it was now flowing about her like water as the wind played with its layers. A circlet of silver adorned her head with her long hair cascading around her face. It had been quite some time since he had last laid eyes on her and for a moment he wanted to call out, "Tinuviel."
"Legolas," she breathed, chest rising and falling. He did not move not utter a word.
"Have you nothing to say to your Queen?" she asked, uncomfortable under his intense gaze.
The corners of his mouth picked up a little. He found it rather funny, she was putting up a facade which he could see right through. Pursing his lips together, he took a step forward and bowed.
"My lady," his voice sang in her ears. He looked at her again and something chilled in her stomach. He walked past her, leaving her in a state of shock.
"And what of your lover?" Arwen's voice lost all pride and was no filled was helplessness.
Legolas stopped.
"To her I say that I love still. And I am taking my love with my toe the Blessed Realm. There it shall be evergreen..."
"but never more than a memory." Arwen whispered, finishing his sentence as he said it aloud. She had heard the very words long ago. She closed he eyes at the memory of it and the tears that had been threatening to fall slid down her cheeks.
Arwen spun around to follow him.
"Then this is the end of us?" she cried, her voice wavering.
He turned and stood before her. His hand reached to cup her cheek, her skin tingling at the contact. His thumb brushed away her tears, though in a moment they were back again.
"My love, we were over long ago," he didn't say it to spite her, or out of bitterness, but he said it as someone who has accepted it as a truth. He looked at her with gentle and loving eyes and she relished in his touch. Slowly, he kissed the crown of her head and was gone. Arwen opened her eyes at the sudden loss of contact and saw through her tears, his figure walking away from her.
"Legolas!" she cried out as she ran towards him. He turned just as she reached him and embraced him with all of her might.
It was a hug of desperation. She pulled him impossibly closer to herself as if trying to squeeze the very life out of him and into her. Arwen buried her head in his chest and he could feel her tears seep through his clothing. She did not want to let go, knowing that he would leave her. She clung to him, desperately hoping time would stand still.
"I do not want you to go," her words word muffled by his chest. "Amin mela lle." She grasped at him even more, pulling him ever closer.
Legolas said nothing but held her for some time, his hands weaving in and out of her hair. His heart was beating madly at it seemed to him that it was going to burst. She had only said those words to him once before and it weakened him.
Slowly, he removed her hands from around his neck but held them close. He looked at her, as if for the last time, and it grieved him that he should be the cause of her tears.
"Namarie, Undomiel," he whispered. He would have kissed her had it not been for the worry of prying eyes. Instead, he lifted her hands and kissed them softly, he gaze never leaving her eyes. Then he spun on his heel and walked away.
Arwen felt a loneliness as never felt before by any living soul. She braced herself against the railing and sunk to her knees.
------
Days later...
Arwen stood at the top of the highest balcony, facing the West, as the sun sank over the horizon. The sky was painted in deep hues of purples and blues, though Arwen noticed not. She sat there well after sunset and into the night.
Aragorn found her there and brought a lantern to light to the darkened space. He knew she was silently paying tribute to Legolas. He moved to stand next to her and reached for her hand. It was deathly cold.
"It is done then," she spoke, her voice soft and filled with sadness. "The last of my people have finally left the shores of Middle Earth. I am alone."
"Arwen, you are not alone. Do you not still have my love...and the love of your children and all your people?"
She tried to smiled at him. "The Elves have now all journeyed to Valinor, never to return and it grieves my heart. Though I will endure still with you until the end of our days. And that is enough to ease my heart."
King Elessar and Queen Arwen stood aloft the balcony for a moment before venturing back inside. Arwen paused before leaving and looking towards the West, extinguished the light.
------
Mae govannen- Well met Amin hiraetha- I'm sorry Amin mela lle- I love you
P.S. This is NOT the end!!! (
