Although Arwen and Aragorn tried to leave Minias Tirith quietly it was not possible. All the city turned out to farewell the lady. Gifts were given to Arwen and crowns of flowers were placed on her head.
They travelled out of the city and across Rohan stopping briefly in Edoras to talk with Eomer. The Lord Faramir and Lady Eowyn were also in Edoras at the time. Aragorn and Eowyn had become quite good friends and upon seeing the king she frowned. Never had she seen him look so unwell. Not even when he had returned to Helms Deep.
After a nights rest they travelled across Dunland and past the mines of Moria. It took eight days to cover the distance to Rivendell. It was a hard ride without rest and Aragorn was all but falling from his horse by the time they reached the ford.
Elrond took one look at his foster son and ordered Elrohir and Elladen to take him to the healing chambers to rest. Arwen led her father to his study and put forward the situation to him. Elrond sighed and buried his face in his hands.
"I should have known there was something between them. I could have tried to stop it. I do not wish Estel to be in pain."
"Ada, you know as well as I that you could not stop this even if you tried. Aragorn gave his heart and there is nothing that you could do."
"Yes I learnt that with you."
Arwen smiled and took her fathers hand.
"Ada, I wish Estel to be happy and well. I do not wish to see him in pain when I go for it will make my heart weep for him."
Elrond kissed her forehead and went to the healing chambers. There he gave Aragorn a herbal mixture that got rid of his fever and gave him strength.
"This will last another six days at least. That should get you to the Mithland without too much trouble." Elrond told Arwen. She thanked him and within a few hours Aragorn was up and about.
The next day, a great company left Imladris. Nearly everyone left. Glorfindel and a few others stayed behind to guard the realm and to meet with those from Mirkwood if they by chance travelled that way.
They travelled for four days non stop and at last they reached the towers of Mithland. There they rested and waited for the travellers of Mirkwood to arrive. They appeared just under a day later. Aragorn stood and welcomed King Thranduil.
"Creoso Aran Thranduil."
"Hannon le Aran Elessar."
"You are well?" Aragorn asked.
"I am. And how are you fairing?"
"I am well myself. You have made good time. The boat does not leave for another hour."
"Then I hope my son will be here in time."
Aragorn's eyes gleamed with happiness at the thought of seeing the Elvish prince.
"Legolas is coming?"
"He should have arrived with me but he and Melancier stopped for a short while. They should arrive soon."
While Thranduil talked with Elrond, Aragorn took Eldarion from Arwen and held him close.
"It will be fine melamin."
"For two years I have wanted to see him and now that I am I am wondering what I shall say to him."
"Elessar, have you tries being honest? Tell him what you feel."
"You know my reasons for my silence melamin. I will not cause him pain."
At that moment; Melancier, Legolas and Gimli waled down the steps. Aragorn could only stare. To him Legolas was the most beautiful thing aside from the Evenstar herself. Arwen took his hand and squeezed it in comfort.
"You're late. I was beginning to be worried."
Aragorn's thoughts spun back to nearly three years previous.
***
Aragorn looked up as the gates of Helms Deep were opened for him. He rode in and dismounted Brego. He only had two thought on his mind; to find the king and to make sure of Legolas' safety. Not necessarily in that order. He looked around for the fair headed prince but instead all he could see or hear was Gimli.
"Where is he? Get out of the way. I'm gonna kill him."
Aragorn rolled his eyes and smiled as Gimli approached
"You are the luckiest, the cunningest, and most reckless man I ever knew! Bless you laddie."
Aragorn returned the Dwarfs hug and asked for the king. When Gimli had pointed him in the right direction he sighed.
= maybe Legolas is with the king. =
He started off towards the hall when suddenly the object of his thoughts was in front of him. Aragorn was elated at seeing the elf look well. A little pale but well all the same.
"Le abdollen." The elf stated.
Aragorn knew that Legolas spoke Elvish as a comfort. It took them back to times of old when they were at peace. He was a little shocked at the abruptness of his words but he also welcomed them.
"You look terrible." Legolas continued in Common.
Aragorn had to laugh because he knew that the elf's words were the truth. Although he wished he could look better for the beauty before him but it was good to know that he could at least see him again.
***
Aragorn's mind slammed back into place as he saw Legolas before him.
"Legolas, it has been an age since we last talked and now I fear we are too late." He heard Arwen greet him.
"Yes my Lady it would seem so." The Elf replied
Aragorn was a little perplexed to see the elf so close after so long.
"Your highness, It pleases me to see you well. Is this your son?" Legolas asked.
Aragorn was taken aback at the coldness in the prince's voice. He didn't know what he had done wrong to hurt the prince but he wish he knew what it was so that he could fix it.
"Yes this is my son, Eldarion." Aragorn moved his son slightly so that Legolas could see his face
"Congratulations to you both." Legolas replied formally before turning to go back to his father's side.
Aragorn was stunned at the prince's reaction.
"What have I done?" he whispered.
Arwen turned to him and took Eldarion from his arms and gave the baby to Elrohir before enveloping Aragorn in a hug.
"You have done no wrong melamin. I do not know why Legolas was so cold but it is nothing you have done."
"I have waited two years to see him and now I wish I hadn't. the pain is worse than ever before."
"Oh Estel."
Arwen kissed his cheek as she felt his tears drip onto her neck. She held him for a few minutes until his tears dried.
"The boat is preparing to sail." Arwen whispered to him
"Hannon le." Aragorn whispered in reply.
"For what?"
"For accepting that another held my heart along with you and supporting me with that knowledge."
"Aragorn, I would support you til the day you die. I am sure that whatever happens you and he will be together."
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because love heals all pain with time."
"Or it can kill you."
Arwen kissed him and then bid farewell to her father and brothers. Aragorn went and stood by her side as she prepared to board.
"Today as I leave Middle-Earth an era passes."
Everyone looked towards King Thranduil as he spoke.
"From this day until his departure I leave the Kingdom and crown of Mirkwood to my son Legolas."
Aragorn smiled and watched as the crown of Mirkwood was placed on Legolas' head. He bowed along with everyone else to the new king of Mirkwood. Yet his heart was saddened. Now that Legolas was king there would only be a very small chance of them ever being together.
Aragorn bid farewell to Arwen one last timed and stood on the waters edge as she, Thranduil and a small number of elves boarded the boat. He smiled as the boat sailed from sight knowing that Arwen would be happy.
"Legolas?" He heard Melancier call in a worried tone.
Aragorn spun around and saw the light leave his beloved's features and saw his eyes grow dark. Legolas swayed as if very dizzy. Aragorn forgot everyone around him and sprinted to the Elf.
"LEGOLAS!" He cried as he raced towards him.
Aragon caught him just before he hit the floor.
Elvish translations
Creoso Aran Thranduil. – Welcome King Thranduil
Hannon le Aran Elessar. – Thank you King Elessar (Elfstone)
Melamin – My love
Le abdollen – You're late
Thanx to those who reviewed the last Ch.
- silverhope2001: I'm averaging on a chapter every 2 dayz so you shouldn't have to wait long :-) unless of course I get serious writers block and I'm just hoping that doesn't happen :P
- Legolas19: Thankyou. I'm glad u guys are liking this
- Shadow41: thanx, I'm writing as fast as my inspiration lets me :P
- Silvertoekee: Yeah it made sense lol.
- Tmelange: Thanx :-)
- Jadesaber: Yeah they had better get well soon. I don't want them to die…hang on, I'm the one prolonging them being together *slaps forehead* :-)
- Michelle: Sorry bout the cliff-hanger. But I somehow doubt this Ch made up for it :P
