I just wanted to extend a special thanks to everyone who read this story. Your generous reviews have helped to make this story, in my opinion, the best I have ever written.

I'm very, very sorry that this epilogue took so long, but the virus that attacked my computer shut it down completely and I have been without for nearly three weeks! The only way that I was able to finish this chapter was by borrowing a few minutes of computer time from my sister when possible. But don't worry, it's all taken care of now. ^_^

Please look for the upcoming sequel to Landslide within the next week. It is tentatively titled On the West Wind Sails the Gull. As promised it will resume where this fic leaves off.

Now, please enjoy the epilogue and don't forget to review!

Landslide
Epilogue
By NekoMegami_chan
nekomegami_chan@hotmail.com

The snow ceased as night wrapped itself over the land. A brisk wind swept through the air to banish the dark and laden clouds to a far distant part of Middle Earth. The stars appeared; luminous pinpricks piercing the black veil of the sky. Somewhere a beast howled at the rising moon. In the stables of Imladris, Arod groaned in pleasure as he settled himself down into the warm wood shavings that cushioned the stall floor and lay out on his side.

In the healing house, Elrond sat before a wide stone hearth, rocking in an ornate chair that had once belonged to his wife. In his lap was an oilcloth piled with dried herbs and a deep bowl was balanced on his knees. He hummed, casting a simple healing enchantment over the blossoms and leaves as he crushed them into the bowl with the aid of an ancient marble pestle.

Across from the Lord of Rivendell sat Glorfindel. The Elda reclined on the floor, reading a book of history though he had no doubt witnessed the events it described firsthand. Erestor, Elladan and Mithrandir had gathered around a table, sharing a bottle of brandy and tales of their most recent adventures.

In the relative privacy afforded to them, Elrohir and Legolas remained in deep conversation. Whispered words of affection were traded freely between them, as were a few gentle and covert touches.

The sight made Elrond smile. While he never would have chosen Legolas for Elrohir's partner, he could not deny that they made each other happy and whole in a way that no other elf could have. He knew that Thranduil felt differently and it pained him that his old friend would not give his blessing. Elrond was thankful that at the least, the Elven King had either forgotten the earlier charges he had leveled against Elrohir or else had decided not to press them.

Not that it much mattered, he decided as he sprinkled a little more of the herbs into the bowl. His sons were to sail ere the year's end and Legolas would not be going with them. Elrond's heart constricted at that thought, not only because he would soon be alone save for Erestor and Glorfindel, but because he sincerely doubted that neither the twins nor Legolas realized quite how little time they had left.

If, as Elrohir had foreseen, Elladan must depart from Middle Earth ere the year's closing than preparations would have to be made at once. It was already mid November and travel would be difficult with the winter's early and heavy snows. Elrond's lips pressed into a tight line and he ground viciously at the contents of his bowl. If all went well and the weather did not worsen, their journey would need to begin in less than a fortnight, and then they would need to ride as swiftly as they dared.

The ship that would transport his sons to the Undying Lands sailed in all conditions. Built and maintained by the Valar it was blessed to ensure safe passage at all times and was always ready when the need was dire. He had no fear that it would not await his children when they arrived.

Still, Elrond frowned.

Forcing Legolas to remain behind in Rivendell would be next to impossible. The long days spent traveling in the frozen wilds despite his severe injuries; coupled with the infection from the orc inflicted wound had seriously weakened him. Elrond's experience told him that Legolas had surpassed the capacity of his body's restorative powers and that there was little the healer could do to quicken them. Only time would be able to undo the damage that had been done.

Nevertheless, Legolas was not one to give in easily. He was accustomed to dealing with pain and would put himself at great risk in order to convince everyone that he was fit enough to accompany them. Yes, Elrond would have to work very hard to make certain that Legolas remained; a task that would be rendered even more difficult by the fact that he fully intended to escort his sons.

As if sensing Elrond's thoughts, or perhaps reaching the same conclusions, Glorfindel closed the tome in his lap and raised his eyes. Elrond ceased his humming and his hands grew still. A long moment passed as each search for and found the necessary resolve in the other's face.

"It will not be easy," the Elda spoke softly, for Elrond's ears alone.

Elrond's smile returned, but it was grim and did not reach his eyes. "Nothing ever is, my friend."

* * *

Elrohir's joy was somewhat dampened by the knowledge that their reunion would be brief. He dreaded the moment when he must tell Legolas that their days in Arda were swiftly drawing to a close.

Elrohir was gently lifted from his reverie when Legolas' fingers brushed the back of his hand. He had not been conscious of the silence that had fallen between them. "What troubles you, Elrohir? Are you weary or is your heart yet heavy with grief?"

"Aye, I am weary," Elrohir affirmed. He spoke true for the grief and the vision he had shared with his brother had left him on the brink of exhaustion while the drug-induced sleep had afforded him little rest.

Legolas sensed that there was more that Elrohir did not reveal though the son of Elrond was spared from any further interrogation when Legolas was suddenly overcome by a wave of dizziness and pain. He had been sitting upright for nearly an hour and the strain of even such a mild exertion had taken its toll.

Carefully, Elrohir helped Legolas lay back in the bed before tenderly smoothing back the loosely plaited flaxen locks. "We can speak more in morning, dear heart," Elrohir soothed as Legolas shut his eyes against the pain. "I will get father to make up something to ease you through the night," he made to rise but Legolas did not relinquish his hand.

"Stay with me tonight?" the prince asked, his voice breathy and low. He did not beg, only requested the company of his beloved.

"Of course," Elrohir replied. Catching his father's attention, he gestured to the prone body on the bed. The healer nodded in understanding and rose to prepare a draught.

Elrohir settled back down and slanted his warm, dry lips over Legolas'. He could taste the prince's medicine-sweet breath as they kissed and his worries melted away. Somehow all would be well if only because Legolas loved him.

So, take this love and take it down

Year and if you climb a mountain and you turn around

And if you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills

Well the landslide brought me down

And if you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills

Well maybe

Well maybe

Well maybe the landslide will bring you down.

The End

* * *

Well, there you go! The end to Landslide! Thanks again to everyone who reviewed!!

Don't forget to check out the upcoming sequel!! You asked for it and you got it!

Bye for now!