TITLE: UNITED AS ONE

AUTHOR: Araisilwen

A/N: And so here is the end. *cry* Now how many people hate me for this ending? Anyway, I'm still working on the next story in the Vala Chronicles and I am still posting chapters on Halfway to Anywhere, my original fiction. So, there is a lot keeping me busy. Anyway I want to thank my reviewers once again and I hope you enjoyed this story.

Dimostiel: I told you that you wouldn't be able to guess the outcome. It goes against all of my Legolas fanaticness. lol ^_^

CHAPTER 8: Even in Death - The End

'"Cause you were made for me....
I can't live this life
Without you by my side
I need you to survive
So stay with me"

~ Forgive Me - Evanescence

Ethalias was angry. He wanted to see all of Mirkwood destroyed, but most of all he wanted to see that horrid prince chopped up into little pieces for stealing Faira from him. As everyone else lowered their bows, arrows dropping harmlessly to the ground, he aimed his directly at Legolas' heart. He would pay, oh yes, he would pay.

Legolas and Faira were looking deep into one another's eyes as he bent down and kissed her deeply. It was then that he felt life was going to be perfect.

Faira broke the kiss when she heard a bowstring twang. She quickly turned around just in time to see an arrow shooting through the air at Legolas. Reacting purely on instinct, she jumped in its path.

Her eyes went wide with pain as the arrow pierced her flesh, embedded just below her heart. She uttered no cry. Faira stumbled backwards into Legolas who lowered her to the ground, panic seizing his heart. Neither of them realized that the crowd had gone sadly silent as they watched the scene before them.

Her father did not run to her side at first. Instead, he saw who had shot the arrow and charged at the shooter. His sword was buried deep within the heart of Ethalias.

Tears were flowing freely down Legolas face as he watched the life slowly drain out of his beloveds pale face. "Melamin, no! Stay with me!"

"I...I am..s..sorry, Legolas." She whispered.

"Don't leave me! Not now!" She faintly smiled at him.

"I....I...l..love you." And with that the spark of life left her eyes and she breathed no more.

"No! NO! I need! Stay with me! Please!" And Legolas collapsed in his grief. He clutched her body to his and rested his forehead on hers. He had nothing to live for anymore. Elves, when they fell in love, loved only once. And if anything should happen to their love, they would be consumed by their grief, and if they allow it, they can die.

Faira's father walked up to them and fell on his knees, tears flowing down his cheeks. "It is all my fault. I drove her to runaway. I caused this. It is all my fault. Oh Valar, what have I done?"

The king continued to ramble on as Legolas cradled the dead body of his beloved. It was then that a sudden calm came over him. He knew what that meant. Gently he picked up Faira, ignoring Rainduls protests. He took her deep into the forest, away from prying eyes, until he found that little clearing that they had slept in that first night they had met.

He laid her down on the ground. She looked so peaceful and yet so sad. He lay down next to her and took her hand in his. Taking out the Ardenwood royal seal pendent, he entwined it over their hands. It was a traditional engagement gesture. "To spend life" he choked back a sob at that, "and death, together as one."

He reached out his other hand and caressed her cheek. "Wait for me in the Halls of Mandos, my love. I'm coming."

THE END

"Give me a reason to believe that you're gone
I see your shadow so I know they're all wrong
Moonlight on the soft brown earth
It leads me to where you lay
They took you away from me

but now I'm taking you home

I will stay forever here with you
My love
The softly spoken words you gave me
Even in death our love goes on

Some say I'm crazy for my love, Oh my love
But no bonds can hold me from your side, Oh my love
They don't know you can't leave me
They don't hear you singing to me

I will stay forever here with you
My love
The softly spoken words you gave me
Even in death our love goes on"

~Even in Death - Evanescence