Epilogue

The battle for Middle Earth had ended. The ring had been taken to Mordor and destroyed, and Frodo had returned to the Shire and Hobbiton with his friends, to live happily and peacefully, 'til the end of their days.

Haldir was sent back to Lorien soon after the battle of Helm's Deep. He and Legolas said their goodbyes a few days south of Helm's Deep, and the captain returned to his home to be well cared for by the Lady Galadriel and Celeborn. He was greeted in Lorien with a hero's welcome and a warm embrace from Galadriel, overjoyed to see him alive, having heard the news of his not-to-be death. The tears flowed freely that day in Lorien.

True to his promise, Legolas returned to Lorien soon after the end of the war. Spring had come at just the right time. Haldir had been sitting in the ramada speaking of light issues with Galadriel when a messenger from the edge of the woods came dashing up, delivering the message that Legolas of Mirkwood was awaiting entry at Lorien's edge. Galadriel smiled benignly as the youth's face lit up.

Within minutes, the Mirkwood elf was in sight, approaching in his usual graceful gait. Haldir waited just long enough for him to cross the stream before he stood. He met him halfway.

"The battle for Middle Earth has ended. I have come as I promised." Legolas said, feigning formality. Haldir, losing none of his poise, embraced his friend warmly.

"Come and talk. Galadriel and I have spoken much of you… I judge she would now prefer seeing your face, instead of hearing my fawning."

Legolas flushed slightly in the Lady's presence and Galadriel smiled warmly.

"I have heard much of you, Legolas Greenleaf. Sometimes, too much." she said with a mock stern glance at Haldir, who lowered his eyes, flushing. "I judge that the two of you will wish to catch up." Galadriel excused herself with a nod, and left the two of them alone in the ramada.

Legolas sat silently for a time, taking in Haldir's features. He had changed little in their time apart, though it was not suprising. Elves never changed but for the better. The familiar flush was still in Haldir's cheeks. His hand clasped his friend's firmly.

Very few words were exchanged.

The two males retired to Haldir's chamber early that evening. Legolas awoke a time later. Haldir was gone from the bed. He returned moments later, lying on his stomach beside Legolas, his scarred back exposed. Legolas could have wept at what he saw. The rude scar shone terribly between Haldir's shoulder blades, a blatent reminder of what almost was. Legolas traced it with a fingertip.

"Does it bother you?" Haldir's soft voice broke the silence. Legolas felt some of the cold fear he had on the night at Helm's Deep. He shook his head, heart pounding.

"No, only…"

"What is it?"

Legolas relaxed against the bed sheets. "It simply reminds me how close I came to losing you. And how powerless I was to stop it."

Haldir flipped onto his side to face the elf. Unhidden by clothing, the locket shone silver against Legolas's chest, the lock of blond hair concealed inside.

"Dina, melamin. We have the rest of eternity to make up for it." Haldir smirked evilly. "Go to sleep."

A kiss goodnight, and both elves were asleep.

A.N.: Alrighty, I've dragged this story on long enough! Enough frothy romance already! (*sigh*) On to the last words!