A/N: wheee! Finally, chapter 6 is here! Sorry if it sux in anyway, and for
the evil cliffhanger at the end..
Hee hee..notice, there is no song to this one! Hope you don't mind..
~*~
Chapter VI.
For perhaps the fiftieth time that day, King Elessar glanced at the window in search of his expected visitor. And again, there was nothing there to see save for the gates to his home and the rode beyond it. The Lady Eowyn of Ithilien had written him and he had received the letter only yesterday, informing him of the coming of the Elf prince of Eryn Lasgalen. It was with great distress that the king of Gondor had read of the Elf's attempted suicide, which had disturbed him so greatly that he had been brought to tears and had to be consoled by his lovely queen. Arwen looked upon the matter with no lightness of heart either. She knew her old friend had been driven to grief, that he was indeed fading. There was no other explanation for it. Legolas was dying, although she would never admit that to her husband. The lady refused to give up hope that Legolas could be saved. For her beloved Elessar, she would do all in her power to make sure of it.
" And so as you can see, Your Majesty, the taking of the abandoned Elven realms as provinces of Gondor would be a most wise action on your behalf." That was about the only thing Elessar heard of the elderly man's proposition, one of his court's subjects. He truly did not care for any of this right now; too preoccupied was he with the coming of his most beloved friend. His wandering gray eyes were restless.
" Ada! Ada! " The doors of the throne room burst open and the crown prince Eldarion dashed through, toward his father. The little boy was but four years old, one of the fairest mortals in all the world, but that is not a surprise being the child of Arwen Evenstar. He was pale-skinned, with dark hair that brushed along his shoulders like his father's and dark, bright blue eyes with streaks of silver in their pools, a blend of both his parents' eyes. His ears were ever so slightly pointed, and he was of good build, very quiet, adventurous, and independent. He was the pride and joy of Elessar and Arwen and doted upon by all the people of Gondor. He would come to have many sisters, yet would remain the only son of Gondor's king. He called to his father in Sindarin, which was really his first and more fluent language since both his parents spoke it. Actually, Arwen and Elessar usually spoke to one another in the Elven tongue rather than the common speech of Gondor. Eldarion's Elven heritage was something looked upon with pride and love. The little boy adored Elves, despite the lack of them now.
" It is Uncle! " he exclaimed as he stopped and stood before his father. Elessar stared at his son attentively. " Uncle Legolas has come! "
Eldarion worshipped Legolas Thranduilion devotedly, loving him above anyone else with the exception of his parents. The archer was the Elf that he knew best. In fact, Legolas had been present at Eldarion's birth, celebration ceremony, and throughout most his life, visiting and staying frequently. The Elf had not been to Minas Tirith in three months, and was sorely missed by his godson.
Elessar's eyes shone as a smile crept up his son's face. The other court members present looked on with surprise and disbelief that the king's court should be so abruptly disturbed. The queen appeared in the doorway, flustered, her eyes meeting Aragorn's. She had the mind to apologize for her son's intrusion, but that was cast aside at her equal anticipation of the Elf prince's arrival.
" Things are ended for today, gentlemen. I have more pressing matters at hand, " Elessar announced. After looks of doubt were exchanged among the court, all the men bowed and left quietly. The king arose from his throne and followed Eldarion and Arwen promptly out of the room.
The vivacious, young prince was first to meet the Elf. Legolas had only just dismounted Arod and stood with twinkling eyes as he waited. He smiled for the first time in along while when Eldarion appeared running from the castle toward him. The Elf kneeled down upon the ground to receive the little boy in his arms, which Eldarion sprung into eagerly.
" My, how you've grown," the Elf remarked to him.
" I've missed you so, Uncle Legolas, " Eldarion admitted, grinning broadly as he hung on to his godfather tightly.
" Aye, my prince, and so have I missed you, " Legolas said. They broke apart and the Elf stood, towering over the little boy. " Now, where are your dear parents? " he asked.
In answer to his question, the queen appeared quickly, hurrying toward him with the king following closely. Her eyes were wide as they fell upon Legolas and he smiled helplessly at her. She flung her arms around his neck and he staggered with a chuckle.
" Oh, my, Eldarion. Your mother has affected my Elven balance, " he exclaimed to the boy. Eldarion smiled, and Arwen still clung to him.
" Oh, Legolas ", she gasped with a tear shaken voice.
" Peace, milady, it has only been three months, " he said lightly. She let go of him and gazed with shining eyes at her close friend. " Ah, Eldarion, your mother has grown even more lovely while I've been away, " he commented warmly. Arwen gave him a most radiant smile as she stood there with tear- filled eyes and the sunlight on her flowing hair.
And suddenly, Legolas froze as Elessar finally appeared in the doorway. Everything was still for a moment, as the two stared fixedly at one another. Legolas' pale, blue eyes shone, and he looked as if he had just been struck in the face. Then the Elf strode swiftly past Arwen and Eldarion toward the king, but Elessar met him half way upon the steps leading up to the doors. The Man took the Elf in with open arms and enveloped his slender form in a desperate embrace. Legolas' whimper was muffled in the king's shoulder as he flung his arms around his best friend. He felt as if he would collapse then and there. Finally, after having been so empty for so long in Elessar's absence, he was with him again. The king held the archer to him both tightly and tenderly, as his tears of sorrow and joy fell into the cascade of platinum blonde silk and the Elf wept equally with his mithril tears disappearing into the king's raven hair. Arwen smiled tearfully as she looked upon the reunion of the brethren and stood behind her son with both delicate hands upon Eldarion's slim shoulders.
~*~
" How does Faramir and Eowyn fare in Ithilien? " Arwen asked as she walked beside Legolas and Aragorn, whom had his arm slung around the archer's neck.
" Oh, rather well, rather well. All in good cheer in being together and so far, Ithilien thrives under their watch. The Elves of my colony are happily settled, I am pleased to say, " reported the prince.
" And you, " said Aragorn seriously. " How do you fare, mellonin? " He had stopped Legolas and faced him with both hands upon the Elf's shoulders and Arwen standing behind looking hopeful. Legolas only smiled.
" Better than you could ever know now that I'm with you ", he answered blissfully. Aragorn looked at him a bit doubtfully yet offered a faint smile. " You know not how much I missed you, Elessar, " Legolas admitted as he hung his head. " I feared you had forgotten me."
The king was taken aback by this confession. " Legolas, " he breathed as he cupped his hand under the fair's Elf's chin and lifted his head to look at him. " How could you ever think I would forget you? " Legolas only shrugged his shoulders weakly and shook his head. Aragorn hugged him once more and sighed.
" I could never forget my Greenleaf, " he said. " I love you more than any mortal should be able to love. And damn, I have missed you. Forgive me for being kept away for so long and never writing. I have been so preoccupied with my duty, yet I should have made time for you when you needed me."
" It's all right, " Legolas said shakily. " It doesn't matter now. All that matters is that I'm here. " His heart was overflowing with overwhelming joy at the words of love spoken unto him by his mortal brother. Yet somehow, that joy was in the company of sorrow. He felt like he would shatter if Aragorn ever let go of him. What would he do when the king was dead and couldn't hug him anymore?
" Legolas, " Aragorn began in alarm as the Elf stifled a sob in his shoulder. " It's all right ", he reassured as he stroked his best friend's back soothingly. The Elf couldn't even bear the thought of not having Aragorn's embrace ever again. His tears burned through his shut eyes and he trembled beneath the kings' arms. Aragorn looked to Arwen helplessly as she lifted a hand to her mouth and her own eyes gleamed with tears.
" Am I the reason you hurt yourself? " he queried quietly.
" No, " Legolas cried out instantly. " No, never. I am the problem, not you or anybody else."
" What do you mean? " Aragorn asked. " I don't understand."
Legolas hesitated for moment, knowing he was being so childish and silly. " I was afraid, " he said in a heart - wrenching whimper.
" Afraid? " echoed Elessar in disbelief. " Afraid of what? "
" Afraid of being alone, " Legolas admitted. " Of the day when all of you shall pass away into Mandos and leave me."
" Oh, Legolas, " Aragorn said shaken as he wrapped his arms tighter around the Elf. He began to weep as well, and the lovely Arwen released her own tears besides. The king felt his brother's pain and sorrow and was grieved also for their inevitable parting and the suffering it would cause the fair being. They sobbed into each other as Arwen wept soundlessly with gleaming eyes. Finally, Aragorn broke away and took Legolas firmly by the wrists. He stared at his best friend as both of their faces still bore the trails of tears.
" You can't fall to despair ", the man said relentlessly. " You.you can't do this ", he exclaimed as he lifted the archer's sleeves to reveal the bandages wound tightly around his wrists. " Not for me ", he shook his head. " Not for anyone or anything. "
" But I can't bear it, Estel, I can't," Legolas whimpered.
" Yes, you can ", the king hissed, stepping closer toward him ands till holding his wrists. " I am here now, Legolas. I love you, and I'm here. What will come to pass will come, but we need not deal with that for a long time. You must live for now, for everyone who loves you. None of us could bear to lose you. Not me or Gimli or Eomer or Faramir or Eowyn or Arwen or the Hobbits or my son. "
" But what about me? " Legolas almost shouted. " What about the fact that I must lose all of you? "
" That can't be helped, Legolas. All we can do is savor life while it is still left to us and love while we may, " said Aragorn. The archer hung his magnificent head, hiding behind the veil of his golden-silver hair.
And in that moment, Legolas somehow knew that Elessar could not help anymore. And if Elessar if could not help him, he could not be helped. Part of the love from all whom cherished him would always be empty, because it was a fragile love, a doomed love, a mortal love. Even Elessar's. Even his best friend's. Legolas lifted his head and stared ahead of him with big, blue eyes, eyes of conviction. It had finally occurred to the Elf that he couldn't remain here lest he fade.
" Legolas? " Aragorn knew something was wrong. He could see it in the prince's face, in those eyes that had suddenly become so startling. The Elf turned his head and looked away, claimed by his thoughts. He did not take heed of the Lady Arwen who stood nearby watching him with an expression of fearful worry. He could only hear his own stressed breathing, feel his eyes waver. He could not be saved.
" Legolas? " the king called again frantically, yanking the Elf by the shoulder. Legolas snapped around to look at his mortal brother with gleaming eyes, with the knowledge of the truth. Inside him, the last of the scattered, withered leaves crumbled and fled in the wind that had descended upon the abandoned ruins of his soul. The pale, blue windows locked with the gray and burned with tears anew. Aragorn gave him a confused look, questioning. Behind the prince, Arwen's own dark, blue eyes glistened and her lips quivered, parted. She felt Legolas condemned but could not cry out.
" Legolas," Elessar began more quietly, but Legolas stopped him with a slender hand pressed to the ranger's lips. The blonde shook his head lightly in obvious distress. He could not bring himself to speak, weighted by the knowledge of his doom. Pain was wrought in the eyes of both Man and Elf, as they conveyed what words could not express. Elessar was so desperate to help, but there was nothing to be done. Legolas couldn't see the king's face clearly any longer, so had the tears pooled in his eyes. Yet he did not let them fall, he did not let himself fall. He would die right here in Elessar's arms if he let go. Instead, the archer moved into the ranger and embraced him once more, burying his face in his brother's chest, clutching the man's shoulders. Inside he was trembling. Aragorn didn't know what to do at first, until he placed his arms around the Elf and held him in despair and desperation. With his head on the blonde's slim shoulder, he looked upon his beautiful wife, who now had silent tears shining in her eyes and streaking down her snow-white face. This startled him even more. He still did not understand what was happening, but he didn't need to understand to be there for Legolas.
// " Legolas,"// he murmured gently into the Elf's pointed ear. // " Nin meltha gwador."// He stroked over the silk of the prince's hair as Legolas choked back a sob. Every whisper, every word of love, every touch was another wound yet something he needed to breathe. " What is it? " he questioned. Legolas broke away from him, shuddering in his tears and pushing Aragorn away, causing the ranger to give him a hurt look of confusion that only pained him further.
" I can't," he said hoarsely, shaking his head. " Forgive me, " he beseeched before turning swiftly and fleeing down the corridor. Elessar started after him, but Arwen stopped him, still crying herself.
" Let him be," she nearly whimpered as she touched her husband's arm. Aragorn sighed in resignation and stopped, staring after his best friend with the tender concern in his gray eyes that often had him depicted as the kind king of Gondor. When Legolas' figure finally disappeared into the shadows, Elessar turned to his beloved wife and took her in his arms comfortingly.
~*~
The following morning, Elessar awoke early and sought Legolas in the Elf's room, hoping the Elf would be in a more calm state and ready to talk to him. The tall king came unto the prince's door, knocking leniently. " Legolas? " he uttered quietly. But no answer was given to him. He let himself in discreetly, only to find that his best friend was not there. As he stood in the doorway, flummoxed and alarmed, Eldarion came up behind him.
" Daddy," he began in his tenderly young voice, using the Common Tongue instead of Sindarin for once.
" Where's Uncle? "
Elessar turned away from the empty room only to meet the sight of his precious queen, standing in a gown of gray and twilight blue with her face contorted in despair.
" Elessar," she breathed. " He has gone to Valinor."
~*~
Chapter VI.
For perhaps the fiftieth time that day, King Elessar glanced at the window in search of his expected visitor. And again, there was nothing there to see save for the gates to his home and the rode beyond it. The Lady Eowyn of Ithilien had written him and he had received the letter only yesterday, informing him of the coming of the Elf prince of Eryn Lasgalen. It was with great distress that the king of Gondor had read of the Elf's attempted suicide, which had disturbed him so greatly that he had been brought to tears and had to be consoled by his lovely queen. Arwen looked upon the matter with no lightness of heart either. She knew her old friend had been driven to grief, that he was indeed fading. There was no other explanation for it. Legolas was dying, although she would never admit that to her husband. The lady refused to give up hope that Legolas could be saved. For her beloved Elessar, she would do all in her power to make sure of it.
" And so as you can see, Your Majesty, the taking of the abandoned Elven realms as provinces of Gondor would be a most wise action on your behalf." That was about the only thing Elessar heard of the elderly man's proposition, one of his court's subjects. He truly did not care for any of this right now; too preoccupied was he with the coming of his most beloved friend. His wandering gray eyes were restless.
" Ada! Ada! " The doors of the throne room burst open and the crown prince Eldarion dashed through, toward his father. The little boy was but four years old, one of the fairest mortals in all the world, but that is not a surprise being the child of Arwen Evenstar. He was pale-skinned, with dark hair that brushed along his shoulders like his father's and dark, bright blue eyes with streaks of silver in their pools, a blend of both his parents' eyes. His ears were ever so slightly pointed, and he was of good build, very quiet, adventurous, and independent. He was the pride and joy of Elessar and Arwen and doted upon by all the people of Gondor. He would come to have many sisters, yet would remain the only son of Gondor's king. He called to his father in Sindarin, which was really his first and more fluent language since both his parents spoke it. Actually, Arwen and Elessar usually spoke to one another in the Elven tongue rather than the common speech of Gondor. Eldarion's Elven heritage was something looked upon with pride and love. The little boy adored Elves, despite the lack of them now.
" It is Uncle! " he exclaimed as he stopped and stood before his father. Elessar stared at his son attentively. " Uncle Legolas has come! "
Eldarion worshipped Legolas Thranduilion devotedly, loving him above anyone else with the exception of his parents. The archer was the Elf that he knew best. In fact, Legolas had been present at Eldarion's birth, celebration ceremony, and throughout most his life, visiting and staying frequently. The Elf had not been to Minas Tirith in three months, and was sorely missed by his godson.
Elessar's eyes shone as a smile crept up his son's face. The other court members present looked on with surprise and disbelief that the king's court should be so abruptly disturbed. The queen appeared in the doorway, flustered, her eyes meeting Aragorn's. She had the mind to apologize for her son's intrusion, but that was cast aside at her equal anticipation of the Elf prince's arrival.
" Things are ended for today, gentlemen. I have more pressing matters at hand, " Elessar announced. After looks of doubt were exchanged among the court, all the men bowed and left quietly. The king arose from his throne and followed Eldarion and Arwen promptly out of the room.
The vivacious, young prince was first to meet the Elf. Legolas had only just dismounted Arod and stood with twinkling eyes as he waited. He smiled for the first time in along while when Eldarion appeared running from the castle toward him. The Elf kneeled down upon the ground to receive the little boy in his arms, which Eldarion sprung into eagerly.
" My, how you've grown," the Elf remarked to him.
" I've missed you so, Uncle Legolas, " Eldarion admitted, grinning broadly as he hung on to his godfather tightly.
" Aye, my prince, and so have I missed you, " Legolas said. They broke apart and the Elf stood, towering over the little boy. " Now, where are your dear parents? " he asked.
In answer to his question, the queen appeared quickly, hurrying toward him with the king following closely. Her eyes were wide as they fell upon Legolas and he smiled helplessly at her. She flung her arms around his neck and he staggered with a chuckle.
" Oh, my, Eldarion. Your mother has affected my Elven balance, " he exclaimed to the boy. Eldarion smiled, and Arwen still clung to him.
" Oh, Legolas ", she gasped with a tear shaken voice.
" Peace, milady, it has only been three months, " he said lightly. She let go of him and gazed with shining eyes at her close friend. " Ah, Eldarion, your mother has grown even more lovely while I've been away, " he commented warmly. Arwen gave him a most radiant smile as she stood there with tear- filled eyes and the sunlight on her flowing hair.
And suddenly, Legolas froze as Elessar finally appeared in the doorway. Everything was still for a moment, as the two stared fixedly at one another. Legolas' pale, blue eyes shone, and he looked as if he had just been struck in the face. Then the Elf strode swiftly past Arwen and Eldarion toward the king, but Elessar met him half way upon the steps leading up to the doors. The Man took the Elf in with open arms and enveloped his slender form in a desperate embrace. Legolas' whimper was muffled in the king's shoulder as he flung his arms around his best friend. He felt as if he would collapse then and there. Finally, after having been so empty for so long in Elessar's absence, he was with him again. The king held the archer to him both tightly and tenderly, as his tears of sorrow and joy fell into the cascade of platinum blonde silk and the Elf wept equally with his mithril tears disappearing into the king's raven hair. Arwen smiled tearfully as she looked upon the reunion of the brethren and stood behind her son with both delicate hands upon Eldarion's slim shoulders.
~*~
" How does Faramir and Eowyn fare in Ithilien? " Arwen asked as she walked beside Legolas and Aragorn, whom had his arm slung around the archer's neck.
" Oh, rather well, rather well. All in good cheer in being together and so far, Ithilien thrives under their watch. The Elves of my colony are happily settled, I am pleased to say, " reported the prince.
" And you, " said Aragorn seriously. " How do you fare, mellonin? " He had stopped Legolas and faced him with both hands upon the Elf's shoulders and Arwen standing behind looking hopeful. Legolas only smiled.
" Better than you could ever know now that I'm with you ", he answered blissfully. Aragorn looked at him a bit doubtfully yet offered a faint smile. " You know not how much I missed you, Elessar, " Legolas admitted as he hung his head. " I feared you had forgotten me."
The king was taken aback by this confession. " Legolas, " he breathed as he cupped his hand under the fair's Elf's chin and lifted his head to look at him. " How could you ever think I would forget you? " Legolas only shrugged his shoulders weakly and shook his head. Aragorn hugged him once more and sighed.
" I could never forget my Greenleaf, " he said. " I love you more than any mortal should be able to love. And damn, I have missed you. Forgive me for being kept away for so long and never writing. I have been so preoccupied with my duty, yet I should have made time for you when you needed me."
" It's all right, " Legolas said shakily. " It doesn't matter now. All that matters is that I'm here. " His heart was overflowing with overwhelming joy at the words of love spoken unto him by his mortal brother. Yet somehow, that joy was in the company of sorrow. He felt like he would shatter if Aragorn ever let go of him. What would he do when the king was dead and couldn't hug him anymore?
" Legolas, " Aragorn began in alarm as the Elf stifled a sob in his shoulder. " It's all right ", he reassured as he stroked his best friend's back soothingly. The Elf couldn't even bear the thought of not having Aragorn's embrace ever again. His tears burned through his shut eyes and he trembled beneath the kings' arms. Aragorn looked to Arwen helplessly as she lifted a hand to her mouth and her own eyes gleamed with tears.
" Am I the reason you hurt yourself? " he queried quietly.
" No, " Legolas cried out instantly. " No, never. I am the problem, not you or anybody else."
" What do you mean? " Aragorn asked. " I don't understand."
Legolas hesitated for moment, knowing he was being so childish and silly. " I was afraid, " he said in a heart - wrenching whimper.
" Afraid? " echoed Elessar in disbelief. " Afraid of what? "
" Afraid of being alone, " Legolas admitted. " Of the day when all of you shall pass away into Mandos and leave me."
" Oh, Legolas, " Aragorn said shaken as he wrapped his arms tighter around the Elf. He began to weep as well, and the lovely Arwen released her own tears besides. The king felt his brother's pain and sorrow and was grieved also for their inevitable parting and the suffering it would cause the fair being. They sobbed into each other as Arwen wept soundlessly with gleaming eyes. Finally, Aragorn broke away and took Legolas firmly by the wrists. He stared at his best friend as both of their faces still bore the trails of tears.
" You can't fall to despair ", the man said relentlessly. " You.you can't do this ", he exclaimed as he lifted the archer's sleeves to reveal the bandages wound tightly around his wrists. " Not for me ", he shook his head. " Not for anyone or anything. "
" But I can't bear it, Estel, I can't," Legolas whimpered.
" Yes, you can ", the king hissed, stepping closer toward him ands till holding his wrists. " I am here now, Legolas. I love you, and I'm here. What will come to pass will come, but we need not deal with that for a long time. You must live for now, for everyone who loves you. None of us could bear to lose you. Not me or Gimli or Eomer or Faramir or Eowyn or Arwen or the Hobbits or my son. "
" But what about me? " Legolas almost shouted. " What about the fact that I must lose all of you? "
" That can't be helped, Legolas. All we can do is savor life while it is still left to us and love while we may, " said Aragorn. The archer hung his magnificent head, hiding behind the veil of his golden-silver hair.
And in that moment, Legolas somehow knew that Elessar could not help anymore. And if Elessar if could not help him, he could not be helped. Part of the love from all whom cherished him would always be empty, because it was a fragile love, a doomed love, a mortal love. Even Elessar's. Even his best friend's. Legolas lifted his head and stared ahead of him with big, blue eyes, eyes of conviction. It had finally occurred to the Elf that he couldn't remain here lest he fade.
" Legolas? " Aragorn knew something was wrong. He could see it in the prince's face, in those eyes that had suddenly become so startling. The Elf turned his head and looked away, claimed by his thoughts. He did not take heed of the Lady Arwen who stood nearby watching him with an expression of fearful worry. He could only hear his own stressed breathing, feel his eyes waver. He could not be saved.
" Legolas? " the king called again frantically, yanking the Elf by the shoulder. Legolas snapped around to look at his mortal brother with gleaming eyes, with the knowledge of the truth. Inside him, the last of the scattered, withered leaves crumbled and fled in the wind that had descended upon the abandoned ruins of his soul. The pale, blue windows locked with the gray and burned with tears anew. Aragorn gave him a confused look, questioning. Behind the prince, Arwen's own dark, blue eyes glistened and her lips quivered, parted. She felt Legolas condemned but could not cry out.
" Legolas," Elessar began more quietly, but Legolas stopped him with a slender hand pressed to the ranger's lips. The blonde shook his head lightly in obvious distress. He could not bring himself to speak, weighted by the knowledge of his doom. Pain was wrought in the eyes of both Man and Elf, as they conveyed what words could not express. Elessar was so desperate to help, but there was nothing to be done. Legolas couldn't see the king's face clearly any longer, so had the tears pooled in his eyes. Yet he did not let them fall, he did not let himself fall. He would die right here in Elessar's arms if he let go. Instead, the archer moved into the ranger and embraced him once more, burying his face in his brother's chest, clutching the man's shoulders. Inside he was trembling. Aragorn didn't know what to do at first, until he placed his arms around the Elf and held him in despair and desperation. With his head on the blonde's slim shoulder, he looked upon his beautiful wife, who now had silent tears shining in her eyes and streaking down her snow-white face. This startled him even more. He still did not understand what was happening, but he didn't need to understand to be there for Legolas.
// " Legolas,"// he murmured gently into the Elf's pointed ear. // " Nin meltha gwador."// He stroked over the silk of the prince's hair as Legolas choked back a sob. Every whisper, every word of love, every touch was another wound yet something he needed to breathe. " What is it? " he questioned. Legolas broke away from him, shuddering in his tears and pushing Aragorn away, causing the ranger to give him a hurt look of confusion that only pained him further.
" I can't," he said hoarsely, shaking his head. " Forgive me, " he beseeched before turning swiftly and fleeing down the corridor. Elessar started after him, but Arwen stopped him, still crying herself.
" Let him be," she nearly whimpered as she touched her husband's arm. Aragorn sighed in resignation and stopped, staring after his best friend with the tender concern in his gray eyes that often had him depicted as the kind king of Gondor. When Legolas' figure finally disappeared into the shadows, Elessar turned to his beloved wife and took her in his arms comfortingly.
~*~
The following morning, Elessar awoke early and sought Legolas in the Elf's room, hoping the Elf would be in a more calm state and ready to talk to him. The tall king came unto the prince's door, knocking leniently. " Legolas? " he uttered quietly. But no answer was given to him. He let himself in discreetly, only to find that his best friend was not there. As he stood in the doorway, flummoxed and alarmed, Eldarion came up behind him.
" Daddy," he began in his tenderly young voice, using the Common Tongue instead of Sindarin for once.
" Where's Uncle? "
Elessar turned away from the empty room only to meet the sight of his precious queen, standing in a gown of gray and twilight blue with her face contorted in despair.
" Elessar," she breathed. " He has gone to Valinor."