Chapter IV

The elven warriors rested in the houses of healing. They were
all of them heartily exhausted and none had returned unscathed.
Legolas paused for a moment at the bedside of Turgon.

"Will you not rest?"

"In good time, mellonamin. "

Turgon watched his friend leave, worriedly. He had noticed, albeit
much effort from Legolas not to be noticed, that he had carefully avoided
the healers and stood by a side. Seeing that his friends received treatment
but never sparing a thought for himself. Even now, Turgon knew, he
was not off to rest but to see the little mortal he had befriended.

He had formed a strong bond with her that could be seen, for Turgon
had heard much about her from his friend during their mission to the
southern borders of Mirkwood for she was often in the Prince's mind.

And for that he will suffer, the elf thought sadly before fatigue finally overcame him.

~*~


Legolas leaned against the wall for support, breathing heavily.
He had seen to it that the rest of the petrol party had gotten the treatment
they needed at the house of healing in the Mirkwood realm. He closed his
eyes and took in a deep breath before releasing it shakily. His whole body
ached with fatigue and the gashes and bruises he had had inflicted on by the
orcs screamed at him to have them seen to.

Later... have to see Ghilane... yes ... Ghilane ...

His mind was so tired, he was unable to think coherently.

Heavily and with none of his usual grace he lifted one foot above the
other and pulled himself forward.

~*~


Ghilane lay alone in her room, staring at the stars peeking at her from the a
rched window. Her chest pained her but the pain was dulled now from the
draught the healers had given her earlier. She felt strangely at peace this night.
Slowly, the now familiar sounds of the woods lulled her to sleep.


Instead of the darkness that usually engulfed her, Ghilane opened her eyes to
bright white sunlight pouring in through the window of the cottage door.

The flowers were in bloom outside the window. The sound of a metal pot being
placed on a hot stove drifted through the kitchen door. Ghilane opened her eyes,
basking in the warm rays and listening to the family noises. She could hear her
brother outside the window yelling at one of his friends as he raced down the path
leading to their home. Her father was chopping wood somewhere outside, whistling
a merry tune as he worked.

Just then, her brother burst in through the door.

"Come on Ghilane! Come out and play!" he said invitingly,
a huge grin plastered on his face.

Ghilane stared at him for a few moments , taking in his upturned nose
and freckled face, and laughed joyfully.

"Of course."

He reached out a hand to her and pulled her to her feet. Together, they trod the
worn path into the street.

Ghilane wondered why she felt so happy, it was a perfectly normal day and she
was with her family and every thing was gloriously wonderful.


The silvery moonlight made a path down through the window and bathed the
girl in white light. The stars sparkled as usual in their places in the sky.

And at last Ghilane slept. Her dreams peaceful and her heart at rest.

~*~


Legolas stopped outside Ghilane's room, his hand turned the door knob,
relief and joy etched on his face at the thought that he could finally see the
mortal who had been sorely missed.

At last .

- Fin - ~*~*~


The epilogue will be up in a few days.

Tell me what you think of the ending !!!