A/N: Despite what I may lead you all to believe, I -do- know what I am doing; read on dear friends and thank you all for you sweetness and patience. It is the beginning of the end so enjoy every minute of it!

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A great many days passed in the lands of Middle-Earth and soon came the last chapter in the life of the Lord of the Rings. His Ring was destroyed, his spirit banished into the Void where awaited him his Master of old and the free peoples of Middle-Earth could finally return to the lives they knew. Of course, many could do this, but not all. As predicted by the Wise, the remaining Rings had lost their power when the One had been destroyed. The time to leave was near at hand; a bittersweet ending to an age that would live on in the hearts of all. But let us now return to our story, which is still a way off from its end.

These many days Dileriyen passed in the home of Renil and Galadya, quite oblivious to all that was happening around her. Her physical condition improved considerably until she was finally restored to perfect health, nevertheless, her mental condition was still no laughing matter. Visions came back to her in pieces and ever more grew her frustration until she would spend almost every night crying herself into dreams; dreams that meant even less than her memories.

She never left the house for the town seemed haunted to her- haunted by feelings of death and loss; things she had buried away inside her long, long ago. She dare not enter into that. Perhaps it would have been better for her to do so, though, for the memories might have come flooding back. Alas, she did not and they remained locked away in the dark reaches of her soul. She was known now, even to herself, as Feanora, the one with a fiery soul. But it meant nothing to her and she was quickly giving up hope of regaining what she had lost.

Thranduil, a King, a leader but first and foremost: a father. The destruction of the Ring hardly meant anything else for him other than more pain. True, word had reached him that his son was indeed alive, well and would probably be returning home soon. That was the only good thing. But what would happen when he did return? Thranduil already began to grieve for he feared in his heart that he would lose his son to sorrow. Aside from all this, it was nearing time to depart. Already he had begun sending people away. He, himself, cared no longer. What did it matter if he stayed or not? The pain would follow him wherever he went. All he wanted now was to be with his son and be a family once again- a family of two.

He sighed, "Oh my dear Legolas...Valar give me the strength to speak or else I will never be able to go through with this..."

Where would he even start?



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Now Legolas and Gimli had an agreement that they would visit the Glittering Caves and the Fangorn forest together and although Legolas wanted very much to go, he was eager to get back home. Arwen and Aragorn, as it turns out, would soon be wed and he was eager to go back to the palace and discuss all that had passed in his life with his father. Then, he would make it back in time for the wedding. Of course, there was the small issue of confronting Dileriyen (or so he thought).

The first meeting of Arwen and Aragorn after the War of the Ring was a joy for Legolas' eyes to see. He could feel the love that radiated off of them by merely standing in the same room as they. But when the time came for Arwen to converse with Legolas, something changed. She stood before him, and the two stood a small distance away from everyone else; things were pretty chaotic at the moment, everyone running around, orders being given and taken. After all, the King had returned and as if that was not enough, he was ready and waiting to marry.

Arwen looked Legolas in the eyes and did not speak. At first, he too looked back and smiled. His smile gradually faded away, though, as he sensed something from Arwen that he did not like. Elves, being creatures with many powers (mostly unknown) always had a hard time hiding things from one another as their emotions usually surfaced in one form or another. An Elf could almost always tell when another Elf was angry, sad, happy, etc. He now read in Arwen's eyes deep sadness and sympathy; something that made him incredibly uncomfortable. What was all this about?

"Lady, why do you look at me with such pain in your eyes? I have returned Estel to you safe and sound, have I not?" he tried to joke but the mood was less than humorous, the tension very thick.

"I...it is nothing Legolas, please excuse me. I am just happy to have you all back, that is all..."

"Nay, Arwen that is not all...your eyes betray you, my friend. Why do you look at me so?"

Arwen made no answer. She did not want to lie to him for he did not deserve it. Yet, she did not want to be the one to tell him for it was his father's duty to do so, not hers. He had verbally backed her into a corner and all she could do was try to get out. Her eyes had betrayed her once again.

"Arwen please, if something is wrong I insist you tell me." He said now getting worried. Had something happened to his home? Was something wrong with Thranduil? He was getting impatient.

"Legolas...my dear friend, it is not from I that you must hear this news. Please do not ask it of me to tell you. I do not lie to you, the news is ill but...please, do not ask this of me." Her eyes filled up and there really was nothing she could do. How could you not kill an Elf with such news?

But Legolas was now genuinely worried and needed to hear this 'ill news'. How bad could it be?

*It cannot be -that- bad for no doubt I would have heard of it already if it were so* he thought to himself. This matter was really trying his patience.

Gimli noticed the two having a quiet discussion away from everyone else but the look on Legolas' face worried him. His friend seemed rather vexed at something. He was very worried about Legolas but did not know whether to interrupt or let them be. He chose to stay away and let them be but did not take his eyes off them for a moment.

"Alright Arwen, now you begin to worry me. I demand to know what is going on. Please, inform me of this ill news and pray tell do it quickly. I am sure it is not as bad as you make it out to be."

She took Legolas' hand in her own hands and a tear slid down her cheek as she looked him in the eyes. She could not lie to him. She smiled faintly with complete and utter sadness and told him what he wanted to hear.

"Dileriyen...is gone."

He smiled sweetly, not understanding, or perhaps not wanting to.

"What? I do not understand. I know that she is engaged to your brother but do you mean to tell me that they have sailed to the West already?"

"Legolas, it is I who does not understand, my friend. There has been no engagement between my brother and Dileriyen. True, for a time I had assumed that there would be but she corrected my mistake. Everyone knew of her feelings for you...Please tell me that you are aware of all this already and do not add further to my grief."

"I do not believe this...But why do you say, "everyone knew"? Is there someone else that I am not aware of?"

Arwen, now beginning to understand, felt her heart sink to her stomach. This was going to be harder than she had at first anticipated. She cast her eyes to the ground.

"No, my friend. There is no one else. She loved you...only you."

"Well then what is the matter?" he began a bit more loudly. This was just too much confusion. "And why on Earth do you say loved? Does she love me no more?"

"Legolas, in no way can I prepare you for what is about to be said my friend and I can not prepare myself to say it. Much have a grieved these months for reasons you will soon find out...Dileriyen had come to visit us during your participation in the Quest. She stayed for several months but then wished to return home. That day... my father and I watched her ride off towards home, alone, for she would have it no other way. We were the last ones to see her...I am sorry...so sorry."

He stopped for a moment and thought *No, she does not mean it. She has more to tell me. She -must- have more to tell me*

"Arwen! WHERE IS SHE?" He did not notice the tears that were beginning to fill his own eyes. His patience had run out. All he wanted answered now was one single question: where was Dileriyen? Arwen was making a valiant attempt not to cry but it strained her very much to do so. How many more times must she relive this story?

"They believe it was the spiders who took her...they searched for her for a great many days...she is gone...Legolas...all they could find was a ring on a necklace..."

She looked one last time into his eyes and then walked away. It was like bringing the news of the death of her sister to her sister's husband. Yes, that was exactly what it was. Legolas showed no emotion in his face. It was a blank. His mind and body felt, heard and saw nothing. He was all alone, standing still. When he finally did notice where he was and what he had heard, he walked outside quietly, drawing no attention to himself, to a place where he could be alone. Now Gimli who saw all this, followed his friend quietly, making sure that Legolas did not see him follow. But when Gimli made it outside, the scene he saw horrified him. Legolas stood there, a dagger in his right hand; face blank, obviously ready to plunge it into his heart. Gimli was not about to let him go through with it.

"Legolas! Calm down my friend! It is I, Gimli... release that dagger please for you make me very nervous."

Legolas' voice shook as he spoke and his grip somewhat loosened, but not entirely.

"Gimli, turn your eyes away from what you have just seen my friend. Go now and do not worry for me."

But Gimli's worry was at an alarming high and if he had to fight the weapon away from Legolas then so be it. There was no way he was letting him do this ghastly deed. With a strong voice that only a dwarf can possess, he said:

"Boy I tell you to put the dagger down! Release it Greenleaf! If you go through with this then know that I shall take my axe and carve out my own heart; do not try me boy for you know that I am a dwarf who keeps his word!"

At these words Legolas seemed to snap out of his vague expression and into reality. He began to shake violently and the dagger fell out of his grasp as he fell on his hands and knees and began to struggle for air violently. Gimli immediately ran up to him and helped him up to his knees at least. Then he held Legolas in a strong embrace as he wept and moaned for hours on end, till his tears ran dry and his spirit broke. Gimli had not heard what was wrong but then again, he now knew Legolas better than he knew himself. He need not ask. Something had happened to Dileriyen...

He stroked Legolas hair and said in as soft a voice as a dwarf can manage: "Let her be happy in her marriage Legolas, you will your mate soon enough."

At this Legolas looked at him, a small smile playing on his angelic face. His voice was not as melodious now as it had once been and his eyes were as red as blood.

"Nay my friend. My soul has passed on...she now lives on with the other angels... "

What more needed to be said? That day, Dileriyen was mourned once again... Arwen told Aragorn who did not even fight to hold back his tears but Legolas... Ah, Legolas... His body lived on without his soul.

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It need not be written here the suffering that he went through. At first he would not accept it but now he could not deny it. And every minute he would ask himself the same question, sometimes in his head, sometimes aloud: "Where are you, my Dileriyen?"

He was present at Aragorn's crowning and the wedding but only in physical form. As always, he was far away in mind and spirit. His father had not attended the wedding. Why? No explanation was necessary. But then, an incident too place after the wedding that many do not know of for it occurred a distance away from the crowd. Legolas and Gimli stood under the stars and both waited for the merry-making to be over. The feast had been going on for hours and the singing and laughter had not yet died down. Little did they know that the anger of a certain elf was equally active.

Elrohir (of course he, Elladan and Lord Elrond had come for the wedding) could contain his rage no longer. Had it not been for Legolas, Dileriyen and he would be married. Had it not been for Legolas, Dileriyen and he would be living happily ever after till the end of their days, whenever that may be. And lastly, had it not been for Legolas, Dileriyen would be alive. All these thoughts raged in Elrohir's head as he walked toward the elf that he had declared to be his sole enemy. Now Legolas had not been aware of Elrohir's cruel glances towards him ever since he (Elrohir) had arrived in Gondor but thanks to his keen hearing, he turned around slowly to see who was approaching them. Seeing that it was Elrohir, he thought nothing of it at first but the fire in his eyes was unmistakable. Elrohir walked up to him and stood directly in front of Legolas. Gimli stood there, watching and waiting. Already he did not like this elf; one false move and his next meal would be Gimli's axe. Legolas simply looked at Elrohir, waiting for him to state his purpose for barging in on them so abruptly and in such an angered state. But what came first were not words. Rather, it was a strong blow directly to Legolas' face (hitting him squarely in the jaw). Legolas, not having expected this, fell back in somewhat of a daze but Gimli was the first to act as he held on tightly to Elrohir muttering something about ripping his arms and legs off if he tried anything else. He was shorter but immensely stronger. Now Elladan was not a far ways off and heard the foul language that, no doubt, was coming from his brother and he rushed towards the fight before Legolas had a chance to retaliate. Now, Elladan held onto Legolas (so that he wouldn't rip Elrohir to shreds) as Gimli held onto Elrohir. What a sour situation. Yet, just when one thinks that there is no solution to things, a solution does present itself. This time, it was in the form of a certain Elf Lord.

Elrond had sensed his son's hostility towards Legolas the entire evening and was quite expecting something like this. He walked up to them, making sure that he was not attracting unwanted attention to the little group that had formed. And in that tone of voice that we all know and love, he made it clear once again that when Lord Elrond spoke, you listened.

"THAT IS QUITE ENOUGH!" He bellowed and Elrohir eased up. Gimli let him go when he was sure that he would not attempt another foolish attack.

"Away with you!" He ordered his son to leave. He threw one final look of disgust at Legolas and walked off huffing and puffing. Elladan then saw it fit to release Legolas and gave him a pat on the back before walking off as well, probably to punch some sense into his brother. But when Elrond looked into Legolas' eyes, he saw his pain and knew that had found out. Now was probably a good time for him to let Legolas know the truth of the situation, for he deserved no less.

"My son, come. Let us talk."

"Whatever you have to tell me may be said in Gimli's presence Lord."

"Very well then; I do not wish for you to think that I consider you untrustworthy Master Gimli. If the Prince wishes for you to be present than so it shall be."

"Thank you Lord, no offense was taken."

"Very well then. I see it in your eyes Legolas. You know..."

Legolas looked at Elrond as if he were disappointed with him. It then became clear to him that he was not meant to know.

*And just how long did they intend to keep me in the dark?* he thought. It was a mystery but also an outrage.

"Of course I know! Could such a thing have been kept from me? How dare you all even attempt to do such a thing! Did you think that finding out later rather than sooner would prolong or prevent my death?"

Elrond stood quiet for a moment. What can be said to a person who is in such a state?

"Legolas, there are things that I have yet to tell you... All I ask is that you keep in mind that...she is gone and further hostility towards anyone will be of no use."

"What can you possibly have to tell me that could be any worse? I lost her twice: once to your son and now to fate! Is a third time at all possible?"

But indeed it is for when he was told of all that had passed: the misunderstandings, the scheming and such, he found out that he had lost Dileriyen a third time: to himself. He may not have had given up on her in his heart, but instead of telling her that he would wait for her no matter what, he had written to her a reply that wreaked of cruelty and hate. He remembered the letter. He remembered letting her believe that he had given up on her.

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A length of time passed when Legolas realized that he could bare to be idle no longer. He knew that he was dying, dying of sorrow, but before he embraced death, he had a promise to fulfill to his friend; a friendship they now shared of the purest form, unbreakable. He did not let Gimli know this but he knew that the dwarf could see him weakening. All Legolas really wanted now was to fulfill his commitments and then return to Mirkwood to see his father one last time. There, in his home he would end his days and be buried by her side, though her body was not there.

At first, that had been a sign of hope for him but alas, he knew that no one could survive in the spiders' keeping for so long a duration. Not being able to find her bones (and he shuddered at the thought) meant nothing more than them not being found. She was dead. But why then did he still feel her so alive in his heart?

*You wish to believe the impossible Legolas* his mind mercilessly told him. He felt his health fade day by day and knew that it was time to leave Gondor and journey new roads until he ended up home.

Elrohir had remained out of his way for the remainder of his stay but Legolas was a creature of mercy and would not have attempted to kill the Elf on sight, even though many would not claim to be so forgiving.

And so, as they said their goodbyes to all who watched them leave, Legolas did not let on that he would not return. He had promised Aragorn that he would come back with his people to beautify the lands but that could be done without him just as easily. He did not let on and thus he and Gimli made their way first to the Glittering Caves. It was during the sunset of their travel on the first day that Legolas broke his lengthened silence and sang a song that had been taught to him, when he was very young. Of course, she too had been young but she had had it memorized and did everything in her power to get the words imprinted in his memory. He smiled to himself, remembering the struggle...:

"Legolas, for the last time, sing the words correctly or cease your singing completely! It is a beautiful song that does not deserved to be ruined by improper memorization."

"Dileriyen I will have you know that I am doing my best! Stop distracting me. Now let me think... 'And find the light, so that you might'"

"Ai! No, no, no! That is completely wrong! This is how it goes: 'And find the light, beyond your sight'. For Eru's sake, try it once more..."

A few hours (and heated words) later, he had memorized it. Now he sang, in her memory, one final time...

And I watched it rain, a million times today

I watched it kiss, my untouched lips

I knew your face, in all its grace

Light up the dark, become my heart

I knew again, the very end

Of tales untold, anew unfold

Alas I weep, for I cannot keep

You here with me, in blessed dreams

Your ship took you, away for good

And still I stand, upon this sad land

And wait for you, to jump into

The bitter sea, return to me



You stand afar, under moon and star

Just take one leap, of faith thy keep

And find the light, beyond your sight

Back to the day, that always rains



All the world wept, for in you it kept

The last piece of soul , that which you stole

But bury beneath, these wayward feet

Thus to this Earth, you are returned

Another angel has now flown, into the West that was thy home

But crying gulls, do not dull

The woe that lasts, its name- the past

And though the wind, sends cries within

We'll never more find, this place in time

Alas I pray wherever we go, may our roads always show

A single way, back to this day, where there's nothing but the rain.

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Throughout the journeys from the Glittering Caves to Fangorn Forest the friendship between the Elf and the Dwarf became all that more indestructible. Gimli told Legolas many stories that he had not had the opportunity to share with him during the Quest and Legolas in turn told him many stories of how his life had been and how it would have been, had certain events not taken place. He told Gimli of those years that they had taken for granted, living in their carefree world, ignorant of the ways of the world. And though it wounded him more every time he spoke of her, he had tales worth telling and if anyone deserved to hear them, it was Gimli.

The time soon came when their journeys reached an end. It was time to go home. But Gimli seemed uncertain as to what he wanted to do.

"Of course you are coming back with me to Mirkwood, whatever makes you think otherwise?"

"But, Legolas, do you think that your father would favor such a friendship? I do not mean to be disrespectful but do not forget that he had my father and uncles and cousins imprisoned sixty years ago."

Legolas smiled. He remembered that. Dileriyen had almost had a fit when she found out that there were Dwarves in the cells. She couldn't bare the idea of Thranduil imprisoning anyone and had badgered him constantly to set them free. Of course, they had not awaited for the King to make up his mind to do so.

"Gimli, you are my brother and be you Dwarf or orc, you are coming with me. My father will consider it an honor to have your friendship!"

"Well then, if that is the case, what are we waiting for? To Mirkwood it is 'Prince' Legolas" he teased. Legolas smiled (something that had become very rare these days) and thus their next journey began: home.



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She had had it! Another disappointing half-memory had left her so close to finding the truth and back at the beginning. It was the house that was getting to her. She had been cooped up inside for far too long. She needed to get her head clear of those blurs. And that angel. Even he infuriated her now. Why did he not reveal himself and chose rather to stay a blur in her thoughts? Damn those green, green leaves.

Bordertown's population was now decreased by about half. Slowly by slowly, the Elves were sailing into the West, away from the beauty of those lands that they had called 'home' for so long. It was now towards the evening and Renil and Galadya were not at home. The town itself was also pretty empty as everyone retreated to their homes to do their various chores. But Dileriyen mustered up enough courage to creep out of the house and, away from anyone's sight, she walked on and on and on until she was quite a distance off but could still find her way back easily. There she sat down to relax and looked up at the sky until slowly, the moon and stars appeared. She was still within the town's borders, of course, so it was a safe place to be.

But gazing up into the sky proved more helpful than it would seem for sudden visions came rushing back to her. She saw herself, sitting on the grass. What was she doing? Crying... she was crying. A letter, what was that letter she was holding? It had made her very upset. There was a lake, too. The moon shimmered down and danced in the water. But she was not in the proper state of mind to admire its beauty. Why had he gone off? Those three words... He was saving them for when he got back... Then suddenly, Dileriyen's hand flew up her neck once again and she said more loudly than intended:

"My necklace! The ring! I have lost them!..."

She remembered looking at its beauty for hours. Just marveling at its perfection. He had had the ring made for her and placed it on a necklace so that it would hang over her heart. They were supposed to be together but he had left. He had promised to return... and three words... But what was his name? The frustration was absolutely unbearable. She had had a breakthrough, yes but she was now that much closer to losing her sanity. She was on the verge of remembering but something was blocking her progress. So she cursed at herself repeatedly and cried. Although she did not know it, the forest recognized her and shared her sorrow for it had played a great role in her affairs. It was then that a light but cool wind picked up. And the wind carried her cries over land, water and air through the still night as the moon and stars looked sadly down upon her. (A/N: does this sound familiar to anyone?)



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They were finally in the forest. Gimli had seen the change in his friend at the thought of going home and so, he did not disagree with Legolas when he insisted that they ride on with little rest. The Prince was anxious to get home, understandably, and Gimli wanted anything that would make his friend happy. It was this night that they were finally moving slowly but surely through the forest of Mirkwood. They were very close noe. Tomorrow they would make it to the palace.

They stopped now to take some rest and as they sat down, a light but cool wind picked up. Gimli thought nothing of it as he prepared camp but Legolas stopped to listen. The trees spoke and it was clear that the forest was angry with him. But why? He had done it no harm. And when the whispers of the trees died down, that light wind made him shiver. It was not so much from its coolness but rather from the echo of a distant voice that it brought with it. Legolas thought that he could almost hear the wind crying, contributing largely to his already grieved heart. At first he chose to ignore it but the wind would not leave him. He suddenly stopped and spoke to a startled Gimli, who now seemed quite confused.

"This has happened to me before..." he said, looking around him.

"What do you mean?"

"The forest...it is angry with me. And listen! There it is! Do you not hear it Gimli? The wind is crying. It has done this to me before."

"Nonsense Legolas it is just the sounds of the forest playing tricks on you."

But it was at that moment that Gimli began to listen more carefully. It became very distinct. Someone, or something was crying. But what to make of this situation?

"Well boy," he said to Legolas, "are you up for a little adventure?"

Legolas looked at him and said: "I have nothing to lose, my friend. Let us solve this mystery so that we may get some sleep."

*Though I doubt I will be getting much sleep here on anyway.* He thought. It was going to be another emotional night.

"Aye, lead the way then..."

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A/N: Gosh, I almost made myself believe that she had died! Oh Valar forbid... What a chapter...and a cliffhanger... oh how my spirits have lifted:) Oh, by the way, the poem's mine. It's posted on the site actually. It's title is Tribute although I sometimes do refer to it as Farewell.