A/N Last chapter for this fic. I have already started the sequel. Oh, for those of you who don't know much about depression you need to understand that it takes a long time to cure. Since I am trying to portray this realistically you have to understand why I ended the fic here. I am sorry to those of you who would like for me to go on for a longer time. Thank you all for reading and reviewing my fic! I have really enjoyed reading all of the wonderful reviews!!! Reviewer responses to this fic will be in the sequel. Look for it; it is called Darkness's Cold Embrace. I hope you will all enjoy it! Please keep in mind that it will not be a slash fic. I hope that by now you all know that I don't like slash. I refuse to read or write it. It will be a friendship fic; the only difference will be the angst. I hope you like it!
Catmint: You have been the most faithful beta throughout this fic. I am so happy you have helped me; it really makes me feel wonderful. Thank you so much for all the pointers in my writing. Thank you for recommending where I put certain things and what I should change. huggles Thank you so much for all of your wonderful help.
Jacquelinestel: I am not the best angst writer either, but I am happy you like my writing. I really can't wait until you finish your new fic. I haven't had the chance to read it yet, but I will soon! Thank you for loving this fic and reviewing ever since you found it. I gave my horsey a kiss for you!!
Shadowfaxgal27: YAY!! You adored the last chapter!! I am so thrilled! Heehee, your favorite chapter! My writing is adored! Yeah, I had a lot of fun writing the last chapter. It was wonderful and I am so happy you adored it.
DreaminofLorien: sniffle I know it is sad to see it end. I will miss writing it. I just hope you enjoy the sequel! Please tell me what you think of it, I can't wait to know if you like it!
Deppfan1016: Heehee, everyone likes the part where Estel bit Erestor. YAY! You loved the talk. I thought that the simplicity would make it better. I am happy you liked it so much. I mostly only write friendship fics. I am happy you like them. I have fun writing the young Estel stories as well, though. Mayhap you will like them too. Oh well, I am so happy you have enjoyed this fic and I hope you will read the next one!
Coolio02: Yeah, they have worked out their differences but they still have a long way to go. I can't write everything that will happen in the next few months for them, but I will talk about it in my next fic. I hope you like it just as much. It will be a little different turn from my emotional pain fics.
Jadesaber: Yes, it is good that he is talking to his family. That always helps people to feel better. Thank you for all of your wonderful reviews, and telling me how much you have enjoyed my fics. I hope you continue to read them and review them!
Moralinde: Heehee, I am happy you have enjoyed this. You are welcome for the Light at the End of the Tunnel.
Shadowed Flames: Yes, it is a good thing that he has spoken of his feelings and pain. I hope you like the last chapter as much as you have liked the others.
Nefhiriel: Yeah, I think most people can identify with Estel. Most people feel similar to that at least once in their life and it is hard to explain what is on your mind. I know I have felt this way, it is one of the reasons I wrote this fic. The advice "Write what you know." is the best advice you will ever get. Thank you for reading, I hope you like the last installment.
Seeing-spots: I know. I hate to end it because so many people have loved it. I hope you continue to read what I write and that you enjoy it just as much. Thank you for being such a faithful reviewer.
Beling: Heehee, yes I think everyone was losing patience with Estel. I was, and I am writing! LOL I think everyone enjoyed the "I bit Erestor." part. Heehee, I love writing about the twins. They are so much fun to write and talk about. Heehee I am glad you liked the tender loving parts of the fic. I try to make it so everyone will understand the love between the family. (Heehee I sound like I'm talking about the mafia!!) Yes, more angst. It is a kind I am unfamiliar with, so I hope you enjoy it. (Physical angst) I hope you like it!! You are such a good reviewer and I look forward to your reviews after I write every chapter.
Mistopurr: Wow…you really enjoyed the fic, didn't you? You reviewed every chapter!! huggles Thank you!! I love reviewers like you. They just warm my heart. This chapter is dedicated to you, thank you for reading my story. I am happy you think that I have captured what people with depression go through. I am really trying hard to put my feelings into Aragorn. (Yes, I suffer from depression) Thank you for adding me to your favorite list. I hope you continue to enjoy this. Heehee, I had you crying! I am sorry…I sound heartless. Would you like a tissue? I am trying to write the way people feel when they see a friend suffering from depression. I have often had my friends tell me things, so I decided to put it into writing. Well, not only into writing but into characters that we all love. Thank you for reading my fic, I hope you continue to read my other things.
Lynn-G: Hello!!! I am happy you loved it. I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the others. I am trying hard!! hugs I know, it is time for everyone to start feeling a little better.
Ringmarciel: Well, I don't want to spoil it...I will have a spoiler at the end of this fic. I hope that answers your question. I love your reviews, they are always perfect!
Lauren: You've been with me through this entire story, telling me how much you enjoyed it. I am so happy you loved it and that you're posting on ff.net some more!! I still haven't gotten a chance to read you new fic, but I will soon! I promise I will try soon! :-P You Smeejee who is obsessed with impaltion and full of morbidity.
A/N 2: for those of you whom haven't read Words Will Break My Spirit, you might be a little confused.
Epilogue: Overcoming
The next morning Legolas left his room to go visit with his friend. He was worried about what had happened after he had gone to bed, and quickly walked towards Aragorn's room.
He pushed the door open and entered the room quietly. He saw his friend standing on the balcony, looking at the beauty. He also noted a new bandage on his friend's side and frowned. "Estel?" he ventured quietly, not wanting to disturb his friend if Estel wanted to be alone.
Aragorn turned around and smiled softly at his friend. "Good morning, Legolas."
Legolas smiled back, happy to see that the frustration that had been in his friend's eyes was gone. "What has made you look so happy?"
"I spoke with Elrohir last night," he replied. His eyes were taking on a faraway look as he told Legolas what had transpired between him and the younger twin.
"That is good," Legolas insisted. He was thrilled that Aragorn had decided to share his heart with his brother. "How do you feel?"
Aragorn's smile wavered. "I have felt better," he responded, his voice hollow and hi eyes clouded.
Legolas nodded, urging his friend to continue speaking.
"I do not think I will feel better for a long time. My heart is still weary; I would like to rest here in Rivendell for a time." He searched Legolas' eyes for any sign that his friend wasn't content with staying in one place. "I know we had said that we would follow the Rangers and hunt for the slave traders, but someone else has gone in my stead. I promised to go in a few months. You do not mind, do you?"
Legolas squeezed his friend's shoulder tightly. "Not at all, mellon nin. In fact I think it is good that you decided not to go yet. As terrible as slavers are," he shuddered slightly, "I do not think you would be able to help in the condition you are in."
Aragorn smiled; his friend's approval made him feel much better. "I am tired of being stuck in this room. Would you like to go for a walk through the forest?"
Legolas nodded. "It would be nice to get outside," he said wistfully.
"No one has forced you to stay inside, Legolas!" Aragorn laughed.
Legolas rolled his eyes. "I know, but I would rather be close at hand when you are not feeling your best."
"I was not sick," Aragorn pointed out. "You could have gone with my brothers outside, or you could have gone alone."
Legolas sighed exasperated. "Must you scold me?" He grinned at Aragorn. "Well, I know you were not sick physically, but you were in your heart. Do not argue; you know it is true." When Aragorn nodded he continued. "As for your brothers, I think they were so anxious that if I suggested going outside they would have murdered me and called me uncaring."
Aragorn had to admit that Legolas was right. "Alright, so you were forced to stay inside…"
Legolas had an evil twinkle in his eyes. "No, I could have gone outside if I had wished."
Aragorn shook his head. "Elves," he muttered humorously.
Legolas wrapped his arm around his friend and looked outside. "Let us go outside now, I would rather be out in the forest rather than just look at it."
Aragorn agreed and the two made their way towards the door.
Legolas pushed the door open and walked outside with Aragorn right behind him. He put a hand out to assist his friend. "Let us just stay under the trees. There will be a cool breeze under them."
"I am not an invalid, Legolas," Aragorn snapped. He pushed Legolas' hand away and followed him. When he saw the troubled look that crossed the prince's face he felt horrible. "I am sorry, Legolas. Do not take insults personally right now. I do apologize."
Legolas nodded and smiled at his friend. "It is alright, Estel. Come; let us hurry before your brothers start hunting for you. I think I heard them muttering about something while we walked past their rooms."
"Alright," he said. He walked towards the trees with Legolas and the friends were soon catching up on lost time.
"Did your father get angry with you when he saw the state of the drawing room?" Legolas asked, laughing.
Aragorn blushed. "Well, it was not all my fault…"
"Oh, of course it was not!" Elladan said sarcastically from behind them.
The two turned around to see Elladan and Elrohir with mischievous grins on their faces.
Aragorn looked accusingly at Legolas. "How long Have you known they were there for?"
Legolas smiled innocently. "I had no idea."
"Sure," he muttered darkly.
Elladan and Elrohir draped an arm around their brother's shoulders. "Are you not happy to see us?" Elrohir teased. Despite his teasing tone, he was worried that they might have upset their little brother. Looking into Elladan's face, he knew his twin had the same thoughts.
Aragorn made a face at him. He was happy to see his brothers – happy to play around with them. He still wasn't feeling wonderful, but he had forgiven his brothers…mostly. He wasn't angry with them; he just needed to work some things out. That was his problem, though. He tugged Elrohir's hair. "Of course; I am thrilled to be around both of you."
The twins relaxed. They were relieved to hear that.
"Tell me what Estel did to your father's drawing room!" Legolas begged the twins. "He would only tell me that somehow he managed to…"
"They made me!" Aragorn glared accusingly at the twins.
"He was sixteen and easy to corrupt," Elladan began, much to Aragorn's dismay.
"We gave him a canister of…" Elrohir sent Aragorn a wicked look.
"Stop!" Aragorn commanded.
Legolas sighed dramatically. "Well, then tell me about when he ran away. That sounds like an interesting story."
Aragorn rolled his eyes. "Go ahead. I know you are itching to tell all of my secrets," he said to the twins' pleading faces.
"Estel was eleven and had been playing with a few elven children…" Elladan continued to tell how the children had caused him to run away.
"…Well, when he returned he was with a group of humans and had changed his hair color," Elrohir continued.
Legolas looked at Aragorn. "Why did you change it?"
Aragorn blushed fiercely. He felt embarrassed, ashamed, and annoyed that his brothers were remembering and retelling a story he had tried so hard to put behind himself. "This is like reliving that night, but alright. I did not want them to find me. I was angry because I thought they had lied to me, and in a way they had."
"What?" Elladan demanded.
"Peace, brother," Aragorn chuckled. "I was merely referring to when I overheard you speaking about my birthparents."
Elladan growled and Aragorn laughed. "Well, you know the truth now," he snapped heatedly.
"'Dan, calm down!" Elrohir chided. He had to admit, it was funny to watch his brother get so worked up.
Legolas rolled his eyes at the brotherly bantering and prodded them. "Well, continue!"
"Oh, stop acting like an elfling, Legolas," Elrohir chided and he continued the story. "…His hair must have been as blond as yours, Legolas."
Aragorn and Legolas both absently fingered their hair.
-----
The four continued to laugh, talk, and tease each other until the sun began to set.
"Ada will not be happy if we let you stay out her much longer," Elladan commented. "You look tired as it is, Estel."
Legolas looked at his friend. "He is right, let us go inside."
"Yes, please, Estel," Elrohir pleaded.
Aragorn looked at them. "I never said I would not go in. I agreed with Elladan as soon as he said something."
Legolas and Elrohir blushed while Elladan gave them all a cocky grin.
"We are just so used to you protesting," Elrohir muttered.
Aragorn gently squeezed his brother's hand and walked towards the house. He opened the door and headed towards his father's study. When the twins began to protest that he go to his room he shook his head. "No, I need to speak with Ada. I will come see you both later."
The three elves watched Aragorn go, and they went to Legolas' bedroom. They wanted to visit with their friend. They hadn't gotten to speak with him much.
-----
Aragorn lightly knocked on the door to his father's study. "Ada," he ventured, "may I come in?"
"Of course, Estel," Elrond called from inside of his study. He had been hoping for a confrontation with his youngest.
Aragorn slowly pushed the door open and smiled worriedly when he saw his father. He was still nervous about speaking to his father.
Elrond noticed the hesitation and smiled comfortingly at his son. "Do not fret, Estel. I am not angry with you, if that is why you are worried." He looked his son over, and noticed that the bandage around his side had a little blood on it.
Aragorn nodded once again before he took a seat opposite his father. "I just wanted to talk to you…" He looked around nervously. He hadn't been this worried about speaking to his father since he was a young boy and had run away.
Elrond smiled comfortingly at his son. He wouldn't ask questions, Aragorn would tell him in time why he had come.
"I…I wanted to apologize for acting the way I did. I love you, Ada. I did not mean to cause you pain." The look of sadness that he had given Aragorn when Aragorn asked him to leave flashed in his mind's eye. He felt so horrible.
Elrond stood and was at his son's side quickly. He enveloped Aragorn in a tight hug, being careful to not injure the young man further. "You have nothing to be sorry for, Estel. We all love you so much and we know that your heart is aching."
Aragorn relaxed in his father's hold. He loved his father so much, and he felt horrible for putting his family through the ordeal. 'If I had only kept it hidden,' he thought.
Elrond put one cool finger under his son's chin and lifted Aragorn's head so that he would meet his gaze. "Do not think for an instant that you should have kept your feelings bottled inside of you. It would not have helped; it would have pushed even more despair into your heart."
Aragorn looked at his father; wondering, not for the first time, if he could read minds. "Thank you, Ada."
Elrond hugged his son. "Time heals wounds," he said softly.
Aragorn shook his head. "No, it does not."
Elrond smiled softly. "It does, my son. Pain might be left, and you will be scarred, but the wound has healed. One day, you will look back and remember this, these past few months where you have felt so unloved, you will look back, and smile."
As Aragorn stumbled out of his father's study, he shook his head. 'No,' he thought, 'I will never smile from these memories. They will be a part of me for ever.' He then remembered what his father said about them being scars. 'Well,' he thought, 'maybe Ada was right. The days will get easier in time.'
With that thought, Aragorn turned from the study door and walked towards Legolas' room. The past would forever mingle with the present; and he would never forget that conversation with his father.
Everyone finds a 'light of hope' at least once in their life. Estel found it through his friendship with Legolas and it helped him to heal the wounds of the heart. For those people who do not agree with me, and find that suicide is a thought that frequents their mind, I have one thing to say to you: "Live your life fully." I know everyone has heard that, but it is true. Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. No matter th problem, may it be abuse (of any sort), stress, or regular old depression. It is a temporary problem, no matter what you think.
Thank you for reading Friendship is a Light of Hope. I hope you all enjoyed it!