Ok, long chapter coming up. This is probably the longest chapter of this story.
In the last chapter, we saw Leggy's soppy side. Here, he is still showing his feelings a bit more than usual, but hey, I guess we're used to it now! By the way, do you reckon they had pianos in Middle-Earth? Please tell me in a review.
Thank you for all my reviews on 15. They were very much appreciated. I did get one bad review, but I don't really care. If people can't say anything nice, then its better if they just don't say it. Agree?
So, please read this chapter, and review. Thank you! ^_^
~Lainfaer~
P.S. Who likes slash stories? Slash being male pairings, e.g. Legolas/Aragorn. If anyone has any thoughts on it, please tell me, as my friend has persuaded me to write one. It will probably be Legolas/Haldir though. Please tell me in a review. Thanks. ^_^
~Lainfaer~
Elerrina- Here you go. I'm getting smarter? That's new to me! I think Legolas is quite sweet when he is being soft and soppy, don't you? Thanks for reviewing. ^_^
Morgaine of Ithil- I wish he would cry over me too! *sniff sniff* But hey, we can dream! I'm glad you think its great. I think adults should always be a bit soppy, don't you? ^_^
StarChild- Did you review twice? If you did, thanks! I'm glad you like the story, and thanks for reviewing. ^_^
Iimmortal-belovedi- Thanks very much! ^_^
ElvenStar5- Two different personalities? Yeah, that's two people! Did I update soon enough? Thanks for reviewing. ^_^
robyn- Thanks very much. Did I post this chapter quick enough? Thanks for reviewing. ^_^
haiku- Thanks for reviewing. Hope you enjoy the rest of the story. ^_^
Chapter 16: Promises Broken, and Promises Made.
"She promised. She swore she would wait for me."
"Legolas you have to understand. Beinlóth could not remain here. She felt out
of place, an outsider."
"Well who made her feel that way?" Legolas demanded, glaring at the Lord in
front of him.
Celeborn removed his hand from Legolas shoulder. "No one Legolas. She just felt she did not belong here. If
she belonged anywhere, it was Mirkwood, but she could not go there, as you
know."
"I shouldn't have left," Legolas said softly, sinking back into his chair. "I
should have stayed here, with her. She needed me, and I abandoned her again."
He hung his head in his hands.
"You did not abandon anybody," Celeborn assured him, crouching beside him. "You know you had to remain with the Fellowship. It was your duty, and you cannot deny duty Legolas."
"But for almost 80 years, she was my duty," he told him, looking up. "I promised her parents that I would look after her, protect her, and I have failed. What use am I really, if I can't even keep a promise to my best friends?"
"Do not say that Legolas. Everyone has a purpose in life. You believed that yours was to protect her, but perhaps it wasn't. You may not even have completed your necessary task yet. We all have something to do in our lifetime here, and I believe that yours was to be in the Fellowship, to help save Middle-Earth. You have completed that now."
"But how can I go on without her?"
"It will be hard, but you have many friends that will help and support you. You must now return to Mirkwood to see your family, and so that Gimli can go back to Erebor. Then, you will both return to your new homes. Gimli back to the Glittering Caves and you to Ithilien. When the times comes, you shall also go over the Sea to Valinor. She is waiting for you there."
Legolas nodded and got to his feet. He bowed. "Thank you my Lord. We shall remain here a little longer, if that is alright."
"That is fine. Just make sure Gimli doesn't get too close to our Lady." He grinned.
Legolas laughed. "She has completely stolen his heart my Lord. He will never get a little Dwarf wife now." He bowed once more, then headed back to the camp.
"Well?" Gimli asked when he arrived. He was examining his axe, and hadn't even looked at Legolas. When Legolas didn't answer however, he looked up.
The red eyes gave it away. "Oh Legolas," he said softly, putting his axe down and walking over to the Prince.
Legolas just shook his head and wiped his eyes. "I am fine Gimli, do not worry. She left quite a while ago. She will be there by now. Valinor, I mean."
"So she's never coming back?"
"No." He sat down on his bed and leant back against the tree that it was
nestled into. He sighed. "She's never coming back."
"It was what she wanted," Gimli told her, sitting down
beside him. "Perhaps, in some ways, it was for the best."
"Perhaps," Legolas replied, staring into the distance, as if expecting to see
her appear suddenly.
But she didn't. She was gone, and he knew it would be many years before he saw her again.
He spent quite a long time in Mirkwood, then he and Gimli returned to their new homes with a few of their people. Legolas told his father about Beinlóth, and Thranduil was just glad she was in a safe place.
"She is safe now Legolas. That was what you wanted for
her wasn't it?"
"Yes Adar," he had replied.
For almost the whole journey back to Ithilien, he was silent. His every thought was on her, nothing else. Every now and then, his mind would wander back to his new realm in Ithilien, and he would try and concentrate on what still had to be done. But it would eventually drift back to Beinlóth.
The years passed steadily and happily. Aragorn and Arwen had many children together, and ruled Gondor peacefully. Legolas and Gimli would visit them in Minas Tirith often, and then travel together.
When Aragorn was 210, he knew his time in Middle-Earth was over. It was time for Aragorn to leave the throne to his son. As he lay on his bed, slowly passing away, Legolas knelt by him. Aragorn had wanted to see them each alone. Legolas held his hand, talking softly. "I'm really going to miss you Aragorn," he whispered through his tears.
"Do not weep meldirnin. I will always be with you, in your heart." Legolas placed his hand over his heart. "I know," he whispered.
"Now, look in that drawer there," said Aragorn, tilting his head towards his bedside table. Legolas opened the drawer, and pulled out an envelope. "This?"
"Yes. Look at it later." Legolas closed the drawer and stood up, clutching the envelope. He slipped it into his pocket. "I'll go now. Rest in peace meldirnin."
"I will Legolas. Thank you for everything you've done for me."
"And thank you. I will never be able to repay you for the help you gave me."
"Yes you will. Promise that you will do what the letter in the envelope says." Legolas looked puzzled, but he smiled. "Of course. Namárie meldirnin."
"Namárie." Legolas bent down, and placed a soft kiss on Aragorns' forehead.
"Estel," he whispered. Aragorn smiled as Legolas left the room.
Arwen, her children, and Gimli were waiting outside. He smiled reassuringly at them. "Gimli," he said softly. The Dwarf went in.
"Are you alright?" Arwen asked. Legolas nodded.
"I am fine, do not worry. Are you?" She nodded, her face determined.
"He has not gone yet. I will not start grieving." He smiled at her.
A short while later, Gimli came out, clutching an envelope to his chest. "He gave you one too?" Legolas asked as Aragorns' daughters went in. Gimli nodded.
"He said to look at it later."
"Same here." He took out the envelope. "I wonder what it is."
Gimli shrugged. "Probably a letter of some sort."
When Eldarion and Arwen had gone in and talked, they all went back in, to say their last good-bye. They all stood round the bed, heads bowed. They could all feel the tears forming, but they were determined not to let them fall yet. Aragorn passed away peacefully in his bed, with all his friends and family around him, at the wonderful age of 210. As he took his last breath, and shut his eyes, Minas Tirith was silent. They knew their King had gone.
A few seconds later, realisation hit them all. His daughters were already crying, but they made no sound. Arwen was knelt at his side, holding his hand, head bowed with tears flowing freely. "Estel, Estel," she whispered. Legolas crouched beside her, an arm round her trembling shoulders. Gimli comforted Eldarion, who was trying his best not to cry, as was Gimli. They stood proudly, sniffing back their tears. Eldarion went round to comfort his mother. Legolas moved aside, and went to Gimli. "Ok laddie?" Legolas nodded, but silent tears were streaming down his cheeks. "Let us leave them in peace Gimli," he said quietly. Gimli nodded in agreement, and they silently left the room.
Once outside, only then did Gimli let a single tear fall. Legolas smiled. "Do not be ashamed to cry Gimli. I am." Gimli looked up at his friend, and only then noticed that the Elf-Prince was indeed crying. "I don't think I've ever seen you cry Legolas," he said softly. "I know you have, but I have never seen any tears actually fall from your eyes."
"I have only ever cried this much twice before in my life," he answered. "When I lost the two most closest to my heart, and I have now lost a third." He looked down. "There's only you left."
Gimli grinned. "I ain't going anywhere for a while yet laddie."
Just then, the bedroom door opened, and Eldarion came out, followed by his sisters. "We've left mother for a while. She needs to be alone," he told them.
Legolas and Gimli nodded. "Are you ok Eldarion?" Legolas asked softly. Eldarion looked up at him. He saw the tears on Legolas' cheeks, and nodded. "I am fine. Father would not want me to cry."
"Look laddie, I'm crying, and it does do you good, after a while. Go ahead and cry," Gimli told him.
"Look, come with me," Legolas said, and led the Prince away from Gimli and his sisters. He took him out to the gardens and they sat on a stone bench. "Gimli's right Eldarion. It will do you good to cry."
"But Uncle, I don't want to look weak," Eldarion said. Legolas smiled at the name he had been gifted long ago.
"Just because you cry, it doesn't mean you are weak. I have cried many times in my life, and am never ashamed." Eldarion looked at him. "You…you've cried before?"
"Yes, lots. And so has your father. I've seen him, and he has seen me."
"But…you're Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood. Princes don't cry, do they?"
Legolas nodded. "Everyone cries, once in a while. I know you are strong Eldarion, and you are a grown man now, but it will make you feel better. Let it all out, go on."
Then it seemed to Legolas that the Prince could hold it in no more. One tear fell, then another. He closed his eyes, and looked down. Legolas slipped his arm round Eldarions' shoulders, and let him cry on his shoulder. He held him close, knowing exactly what he was going through. He had treated Eldarion like a son, seeing as he had known him all his life. He loved him dearly, and cared for him deeply.
After a good five minutes of sobbing, Eldarion sat back, wiping his eyes. "Better?" Legolas asked. Eldarion nodded. "Thank you Uncle." Legolas smiled. "No problem. Let's go and help your sisters now yeah?" Eldarion nodded, and they went back inside.
Later, when he was alone in his room, Legolas sat cross-legged on his bed, and opened the envelope. There were two pieces of parchment inside, and each had Aragorns' handwriting on them. One had more than the other, so read that first.
My Dear Friend,
As you know, I have now passed on. This just a short letter, expressing my thank you's and wishes for you.
It seems so long ago now that you arrived in Imladris, all tall and proud upon your stallion. I was the shy little mortal boy living with Elves, and you were Prince of Mirkwood. I won't deny that I was nervous about meeting you! If I remember rightly, I smiled first, and you smiled back. From that moment, I knew we were bound to be friends, if only for your stay in Rivendell. Even if you were so much older than I was.
You were already friends with Elrohir and Elladan, and I thought you wouldn't be interested in a timid, mortal boy. But it was not so. You came after me, in the gardens, whilst I was singing a poem to myself. Remember? Then I sang one to you as you taught me archery for the first time. I'll never forget that time.
I knew nothing of your past, as you knew nothing of mine. We were total strangers, but our friendship grew into something more special than I could ever imagine. A few years passed, and then you came back. We argued, in the library, remember? You stormed off, and Elladan had to calm you down, whilst Elrohir looked after me. Lord Elrond told me some things then, about Beinlóth, and I slowly started to understand. You apologised first, which surprised me, as you were an Elf. Elves are renowned for not liking to be the first to apologise.
Our friendship grew and grew, blossoming every day. You returned to Mirkwood at the end of the summer, and promised that I would be able to visit you when I was old enough. I was only fifteen at the time, and so couldn't leave just yet.
Then, at the age of 22, I came to you, knowing my full name and heritage. We had both grown a lot, but you were still as beautiful as ever. I had always thought you beautiful Legolas; I do not deny it. I arrived on the day that was the anniversary of you returning to that village, and finding Beinlóth gone. But you hid your feelings so well, I had no idea. It was only that night, when I first saw the tears in your eyes that I realised what you were going through. I looked after you as best I could, even if I only knew half the story at the time.
I left a few days later, then returned when my own mother passed away. I did not tell you this, but I had just been wandering for many miles when I received Lord Elronds' letter. When you found me, I felt so relieved, so safe. You held me in your arms, and I knew you would look after me. I knew I was going to be all right with your tender love and care. Lord Elronds' letter had shaken me dreadfully, and I just needed a friend. So I came to you.
You acted so calm and collected with me, even though I was at the angry stage of grieving. You coped with me so well. You went for a walk, and didn't return till nightfall. All that day I was worried about you. You came back in a storm, soaking wet, and I interrupted you as you were getting dry. I gave you a hand, and you told me everything about Beinlóth, and all the events occurring around her disappearance. It was only then that I fully understood what you were truly going through.
Then I brought Gollum to you. Then, we met again in Rivendell at the Council. Thank you for standing up for me against Boromir. He looked just a little shocked when he found out who I really was! But he was a good man, a strong and brave warrior, and I know he is looking over us now.
The Fellowship was formed, and we began our greatest ever adventure together. Trekking for miles and miles to help a little Hobbit called Frodo Baggins to destroy the One Ring of Power. Sounds like some sort of tale doesn't it? I understand that you are now one of the most famous Elves in history. We lost our leader in Moria, and so went on to Lothlórien. When I saw you with Beinlóth, I felt all sorts of emotions. Happiness for you that you had someone to love and who loved you in return, and jealousy. I was jealous, a bit, but it did eventually pass. I thought, if you were constantly with her, then you would forget who your real friends were. I was just scared of losing you, as the Legolas you were then.
We made up, and continued on our journey. Losing Boromir was hard, but we had to carry on. Frodo and Sam had gone off to Mordor alone, and you, myself and Gimli ran for many days and nights after Sarumans' Uruk-Hai that had captured Merry and Pippin. We met Gandalf again, and all our hopes were restored. Then came the dreaded battle of Helms Deep. From there, we found Merry and Pippin again, and went onto a bigger battle in Minas Tirith. Not before passing through the Paths of the Dead though. I could never thank you and Gimli enough for accompanying me. It was partly your strength and determination that got me through.
Anyway, Frodo destroyed the Ring, and all were happy. Except you. I could see it in your eyes. They had faded to a dull grey; they no longer sparkled the bright blue that I was used to. Gimli was so worried about you, and so was I when I saw you. Don't lie, you were in a dreadful state. So that's why you returned to Lothlórien.
But when you got back here, your eyes were still quite dull. You told me she had left, and so I tried to help you. The years passed, and you became happy again and back to your old, bubbly self. You were back to being the Legolas I had known when I was ten. This pleased me greatly.
You became the Elf-Lord of Ithilien, and I hoped that you were now at peace. And it seemed you were. The years passed, and you became like part of the family. Eldarion loves you as a second father or an uncle. My daughters love you just the same, but you always had a special place in my heart. I have always loved you as a friend Legolas, and I always will.
Now, I am gone, and it is just you and Gimli left of the Fellowship. Frodo passed over the Sea many years ago with Gandalf, and Sam went just a few years back. It is your turn now, and maybe Gimli can go with you, who knows? I know that is your most desperate desire to go there, and now, you can go. Please, do not grieve too much for too long, it isn't your sort of thing, crying. Eldarion won't want to cry, so try and encourage him to. You know that it does help to ease the pain. The same with Gimli. I know you all too well! Arwen will also go too soon, and I believe that she will go to Lothlórien. Eldarion is now King. Help him to start off with, he is still young.
In Valinor, you will be with Beinlóth again. I hope that you will be happy with her, and you will finally someone to love and cherish. You were always there for me, when I needed you, and I hope that I was there for you. I tried to be.
Farewell Legolas. You are my dearest friend, and always will be, for all eternity. Namárie.
Yours forever lovingly,
Estel.
Legolas felt like his heart had broken. It was so lovingly written. It was clear that a lot of care and attention to detail had gone into it. He clutched it tightly against his heart as the first tears formed. He smiled. Estel had remembered so much of their lives together; he must have thought Legolas his dearest friend. Now that it was all down in writing, Legolas also remembered the times they had spent together, the places they had been together, everything they had done, together. He looked at the other piece of parchment. He placed the letter down in front of him, and picked it up, he unfolded it, and found it was a poem. He read it carefully.
Remember.
Remember me when I am gone away,
Gone far away into the silent land;
When you can no more hold me by the hand,
Nor I half turn to go yet turning stay.
Remember me when no more day by day
You tell me of our future that you planned:
Only remember me; you understand
It will be late to counsel then or pray.
Yet if you should forget me for a while
And afterwards remember, do not grieve:
For if the darkness and corruption leave
A vestige of the thoughts that once I had,
By better you should forget and smile
Than that you should remember and be sad. * (* Christina Rossetti.)
Promise me Legolas, that you will do this. It is my last wish to you, as a friend. Diolla lle meldirnin. Namárie.
Estel.
Legolas could hold them back any longer. The tears fell, freely and strong. He lay the poem next to the letter, and lay back on his bed to cry. It was so heart wrenching, so moving. How did Estel know he would feel this way? He could put his thoughts into words so beautifully; one could not help but cry at them. He buried his face into the pillows, and wept till he had run out of tears to cry.
Told you he was showing his softer side again. But, his best friend has just passed away, and so it is understandable. I found the poem 'Remember' in a book on my mum's bookshelf, and instantly thought it perfect for this chapter. Thank you very much to Christina Rossetti for writing that! I'm only borrowing it! ^_^
Please review, and chapter 17 will be up very shortly. ^_^
~Lainfaer~
