Chapter 5: Epilogue

"That is quite a tale, my son." Elrond sat alone in the library with his son. A story had just been told of friends and sacrifices. How confusion and animosity between two peoples caused a friend to be slain by an arrow shot by Elrohir's own father. Blame was never given between kin for it was a terrible, unthinkable accident. Like many stories, it was bittersweet and ironic but had the power to change.

Thranduil, upon hearing the news of his son's death, finally heeded Legolas' advice and allowed the advisors to help him rule the dark forest. Even though it cost him the one most dear, the King's plans had the desired result and elves began to come and help the struggling people of Mirkwood. If not for his son's action, Thranduil might now be leading his people into a war with all lands and their own destruction. The King became the great and kind ruler they knew he was all along, but what a price to pay.

"You always keep a candle lit in this window every night." Elrond observed.

"Yes, for this window overlooks the place where he now rests."

They were unsure about Elrohir's need to take his departed friend's body back to Imladris with them, but his son had insisted saying that Legolas had never seen the beauty of that elven land for himself. Elrohir did not want to leave the Mirkwood Prince lying among the corpses of his kin like he had already been forgotten. The Son of Elrond wanted to free Legolas of the darkness and allow him eternity to reside in their lands and beauty and peace.

Even the elves of Mirkwood could not deny their Prince that and never questioned the place of burial.

They had given him a wonderful funeral, a mix of the traditions of the two lands. Incense and candles of Imladris were burnt while laments of Mirkwood were sung. The beautiful white marker visible to the two elves from where they stood shone in the moonlight; still bringing light to all who looked upon it.

"You've sat alone for many nights, my Son. Perhaps you should join us. There is a celebration of the equinox."

"Thank you, but I would prefer to remain."

Elrond shook his head, "I don't think your friend,"

"Legolas." Elrohir interrupted, "His name was Legolas and I believe it would be proper for him to be respected."

Elrond nodded in acceptance.

"I don't think Legolas would wish to see you become so withdrawn on his behalf. I believe he would wish the best for you as all beings do for their friends. Life goes on."

"I am sure he does wish me a happy life. He could not stand my suffering in the cell and risked all to free me."

Elrohir continued to speak, but Elrond wasn't sure if he was talking to him or to the night.

"He was a light in the caves of fear and hatred. I believe that light will forge a new future for our lands. Now I keep a candle burning for him so he shall never again know the dark."

Elrond left his son to gaze at the flame that danced in the breezes coming from over the waterfall.

"I shall join you shortly, Father."

Elrond paused and then smiled to himself as he left his son alone once more. This, like all pain, would pass and Elrohir over the long years would always keep the Prince close to his heart, but he would find Legolas controlling his thoughts less and less and his memory turning into a character trait in Elrohir. The best parts of Elrohir would be there because of this friendship.

A haunting lament could be heard from that room on that night, a song composed for the truest of friends, a song that survived many years as a reminder of their everlasting friendship.

………Don't say we have come now to the end

White shores are calling; you and I will meet again……….

Fin

~Dedicated to my dearest friend Sarah. (1978-2003)

The ships have come to carry you home, but you and I shall meet again.