Disclaimer: Lord of the Rings plots and characters are the properties of
J.R.R. Tolikien.
Farewell to the Fellowship
By: Young Storyteller
Chapter: A Remembrance
Two days earlier.
It was late morning when Legolas, the elf-lord of Ithilien stood upon the balcony overlooking his fair realm. The great river Anduin was glimmering in the sunlight like a long yellow ribbon, unceasing in its pursuit of the sea like it always had for centuries upon centuries. The sight of the running water stirred a deep longing in the heart of the elf lord, bringing to him memories of the first time he had beheld the sea. Legolas remembered that day clearly.
It was on that fateful day that he, in the company of Aragorn, Gimli, Elladan, Elrohir and the rangers, reached Pelargir after assailing the Corsairs of Umbar and heard for the first time in his long immortal life the sound of the wailing gulls upon the sea. He remembered forgetting for the moment the misery of war that was yet raging all around him. And he had not forgotten the feeling he had felt that day. In fact, the awe at the sight of the mighty waters had never diminished but instead had grown stronger with each passing day. Stirring within him strange emotions that none save the heart of the immortal could perceive.
Legolas sighed. Since that day his heart had always longed for the sea. Not even the beauty of Greenwood the Great (which was once called Mirkwood), restored after it's long darkness that has so long been his beloved home could quench the yearning in his heart. Legolas then had asked for his father's leave to bring some of the people of the Woodland realm to Gondor. His father, King Thranduil was none to please to see him leave again, but in the wise king's heart he knew that his beloved's son's heart rested elsewhere and not in the woods that had borne him. A father's heart always wishes for his child's happiness.
Thus with heavy heart Thranduil yet again let his son leave his sight- permanently this time, for he only wishes joy for his only child. Legolas returned to Gondor then to offer his people's help for the restoration of the kingdom as he had promised to Aragorn. The King of Men who knew only too well of his friend's longing for the sea had offered him a place in his realm to rule as Legolas own, in which the elf could dwell with his people. Therefore South Ithilien was given to Legolas to do as he pleases and in the rule of an elf-lord, the lovely woodland became the last haven of the elves upon Middle-earth, ere the call of the sea-longing becomes to strong to bear and so they sail over sea, never to return.
'Aragorn'.
He may be King now, but to Legolas he will always be Estel, his best friend and remain. This was also another reason Legolas had decided to stay in middle-earth rather than forsaking it for The Undying Lands. His friends was a treasure to him, more dear than all the riches of the world. He was not willing to bid farewell to them yet. He smiled to himself remembering each and every one of them. How they had long toiled together under the shadows of evil to fight the growing darkness from engulfing all their beloved lands. And that friendship never failed, never once wavered but only grew stronger with each taken step. But time had changed and he had lost many of his friends to the slow decay of time, robbing them off their strength and finally claimed them to sleep in the peacefulness of death.
Legolas remembered well, the warning of his father of befriending mortals. 'Befriending mortals would only caused you much grieve my son. They will grow old and fade while you will remain untouched by the passing time. And you will be forced to watch them wither and fade while you yourself remained untouched by the wheel of time,' Thranduil had once told his son. Legolas had to agree to his father's words. It wasn't apparent then when those words were being uttered, so many ages ago, but to the elf's dismay it had proven only too true now. He didn't know if immortality was a joy or a curse. What joy it was to live forever but what grief it was also to watch all that you had grown to know and love be taken away from you or changed forever beyond recognition. And Legolas had come to realize the sting of mortality. He had lost his beloved friends by the clutches of it.
Eomer, Faramir, Merry and Pippin had all succumbed to the Valar's gift to Mortals.
While he, an Immortal still lingers watching, as all around him, all things he had known and loved, to be consumed by the swift stream of time. For it is said that time passes both swiftly and slowly for the elves while they themselves remain physically unchanged. But still Legolas did not depart to seek blissfulness upon other shores for two of his closest friends.
'Aragorn. Gimli'.
Legolas grins to himself when he remembers the first time he had come to know the dwarf.
'No one trusts an elf!' Gimli had bellowed to him at the Council of Elrond so many long years ago when they were met to discuss the fate of the ring. And when they had both been chosen to be part of the fellowship of nine walkers to destroy the ring, it was a miracle that they didn't kill each other right away. It was not to say that they became friends easily. As a matter of fact, it took many dangers (and seemingly one death) to change their minds about each other. But in the end, they became best friends and when Gimli became the lord of the Glittering Caves of Aglarond in the land of Rohan, still they often visited each other. And Legolas was pleased beyond words when Gimli had come to stay with him in Ithilien. The dwarf is now old but still hale.
'Actually,' Legolas corrected himself. Gimli's body may be old but he still has the heart of a young wolf. He (as a matter of fact the whole realm) was careful not to mention the unfortunate word 'old' to Gimli as the dwarf would take offence swiftly if ever that word was being uttered. Especially, if it was spoken in reference to the dwarf.
Legolas laughed softly to himself remembering his friend's antics. But as quickly as his mirth had come to him, the elf sobered when his thoughts rested upon Aragorn once more. For over a century now, Aragorn had fulfilled his role as a King tirelessly and without flaws with the loyal aids of his steward, Faramir and his friends. After the death of Faramir over a year ago, the steward's place was replaced by his son Boromir (who was named after his late uncle).
Since then Legolas had noticed a subtle change on Aragorn's demeanour. He began to become less and less directly involved in the governing of the kingdom and often his young heir Eldarion would take over his many responsibilities while he would indirectly advice his son on the ways of the country. Legolas had perceived a sense of weariness from Aragorn and knew that it goes deeper than age. The children from the race of Numenor are blessed with a lifespan three times longer than the average men and Aragorn had lived even longer than any man of recent days.
Of late, Legolas thoughts had often strayed to his most beloved friend. It was an unrest that refused to be quenched. Dark thoughts had come to Legolas' mind about his curious sense of foreboding but he often dismissed it as mere protectiveness of his friend's well being on his part. Just a habit he had required of old when he and Aragorn had spent countless times in their usually dangerous journeys together while the ring still slept in oblivion. But somehow, the unjustified unrest that was assailing him seemed to grow instead of diminish. He didn't share his uneasiness with anyone-not even Gimli for he does not want to worry anyone needlessly, especially the dwarf.
In the end, Legolas made up his mind to ride to Minas Tirith the next day to seek an answer to the riddles in his heart.
Suddenly, Legolas' thoughts were interrupted by a familiar gruff voice.
'Not dreaming again are you, Master Elf?'
Gimli was standing at the door.
Legolas smiled. 'Nay, my friend. I was just resting my thoughts,' he answered simply.
The dwarf though, was not convinced with the answer.
'What seemed to be troubling you lately my friend?' Gimli asked.
Legolas shook his head. 'There is nothing wrong Gimli,' he said again knowing well enough that his stubborn friend would never buy that excuse. The dwarf knew him too well to be fooled by such simple excuse. And his thoughts were proven true.
Gimli let out a loud impatient sigh.
'Do you think you can fool me with that ill excuse of yours? Do you think I've been your friend for all these years and could not tell when you are hiding something from me. I've noticed you brooding all these while and only waited for you to tell me what is going on in that strange mind of yours, yourself. But since you had failed to do so, I've decided to ask you myself. Now tell me what is wrong?'
If his thoughts had not been so preoccupied, Legolas would have marvel at how many words the dwarf had managed to utter in one single breath. He knew that Gimli will not let the matter rest until he had wrench all there is to it from Legolas. 'Curse, this dwarfish stubbornness,' Legolas thought darkly. But instead he just sighed, although it was a minor compared to Gimli's.
'You were thinking of the sea, weren't you?' Gimli's voice was softer when he said this but laced with sudden anxiousness. Gimli was afraid that his friend would leave him for the sea-that fact was clear. Although he was of the race of the dwarves which were ever suspicious of the elves but he had come to know and loved this elf. To lose Legolas would be like losing a part of his heart to the dwarf. Obviously, Gimli would never admit to that fact out loud but everyone, (said elf included) knew that Gimli would grief to the death should he loses his great friend.
Legolas didn't answer the question, which means that Gimli's guess was correct. But from the elf's face Gimli could tell that there was more to the elf's thoughts than meets the eye.
'And?' said Gimli, prompting the elf.
'And what?' Legolas said bewildered of the interrogation.
'There's more. Thinking of the sea is not the only burden you carry in your mind. Come now Legolas, do you not trust me enough to open up to me. Or am I not worthy to know of your thoughts?' Gimli's voice was quiet.
Legolas looked up, shocked written clearly upon his fair face to hear those words.
'No! Of course not Gimli. You know that I trusted you more than I do my own people.' exclaimed Legolas.
'Then tell me what's bothering you my friend, for I hate to see you suffer alone. At least allow me to share your burden.' Gimli said.
Legolas sighed again. He looked at his dear friend in the eye and finally he let go of his reservation and he told Gimli of the unrest he had felt about Aragorn.
When Legolas was done, Gimli looked just as perplexed as he felt.
But before the dwarf had the chance to voice his concern and opinion, an elf step into the midst of the conversation.
'Pardon me, my lords, but a messenger had just arrived from Minas Tirith and he brought a message from the King Elessar to the elf-lord of Ithilien and Master Gimli. Legolas and Gimli looked at each other, both wondering what it might be. Nodding a thank you to the elf, both Legolas and Gimli went to accept the message.
An hour later, a white horse was seen galloping away in the direction of Minas Tirith. The rider was an elf, his fair hair flowing behind him from the speed of his steed. Behind him a dwarf sat clinging upon his companion's cloak, ill at ease it seemed to be riding such a tall beast.
The message that was sent had been short and simple. The King had the need to see his friends once more. It was not the first time that either Legolas or Gimli had ever received such messages from Aragorn. Yet, after Legolas' foreboding about, Aragorn the pair perceived that there was more to the message than was stated.
For the same reason, both he and Gimli had set out as soon as the message was received. Now they are riding hard, keen to reach the city before the day ends. Neither spoke for words seemed to slow down their urgent errand. Urgent? Urgent because of what? Both their hearts thought of that but neither wanted to question it. All that mattered to them is that they reach Minas Tirith soon to Aragorn as possible. At length, it was Gimli who broke the silence.
'What is the reason for the summoned do you think Legolas?' he asked, his voice rising against the sound of hooves.
Legolas shook his head. 'I do not know Gimli. But I am sure important matters is at hand or else Aragorn would not have summoned us thus,' answered the elf in la likewise tone.
'I do not deny that fact. Only to me it seemed strange after our talk earlier. The irony of it all seemed too much to my mind. It is as though Aragorn knew of our thoughts,' pondered Gimli.
'I know not the answer to the riddle Gimli,' said Legolas concealing much of his thoughts and unrest within himself.
'Well, I just don't enjoy bumping like a sack in this age,' grumbled Gimli.
Legolas could not conceal his smile this time. 'Are you admitting that you are old now, Gimli?'
'Now don't you try to be funny elf,' Gimli growled.
Legolas didn't answer though he chuckled softly to himself.
They rode on.
To be continued...
I'd like to say a huge thank you to my sole reviewer for the previous chapter; Frodo3791.
Farewell to the Fellowship
By: Young Storyteller
Chapter: A Remembrance
Two days earlier.
It was late morning when Legolas, the elf-lord of Ithilien stood upon the balcony overlooking his fair realm. The great river Anduin was glimmering in the sunlight like a long yellow ribbon, unceasing in its pursuit of the sea like it always had for centuries upon centuries. The sight of the running water stirred a deep longing in the heart of the elf lord, bringing to him memories of the first time he had beheld the sea. Legolas remembered that day clearly.
It was on that fateful day that he, in the company of Aragorn, Gimli, Elladan, Elrohir and the rangers, reached Pelargir after assailing the Corsairs of Umbar and heard for the first time in his long immortal life the sound of the wailing gulls upon the sea. He remembered forgetting for the moment the misery of war that was yet raging all around him. And he had not forgotten the feeling he had felt that day. In fact, the awe at the sight of the mighty waters had never diminished but instead had grown stronger with each passing day. Stirring within him strange emotions that none save the heart of the immortal could perceive.
Legolas sighed. Since that day his heart had always longed for the sea. Not even the beauty of Greenwood the Great (which was once called Mirkwood), restored after it's long darkness that has so long been his beloved home could quench the yearning in his heart. Legolas then had asked for his father's leave to bring some of the people of the Woodland realm to Gondor. His father, King Thranduil was none to please to see him leave again, but in the wise king's heart he knew that his beloved's son's heart rested elsewhere and not in the woods that had borne him. A father's heart always wishes for his child's happiness.
Thus with heavy heart Thranduil yet again let his son leave his sight- permanently this time, for he only wishes joy for his only child. Legolas returned to Gondor then to offer his people's help for the restoration of the kingdom as he had promised to Aragorn. The King of Men who knew only too well of his friend's longing for the sea had offered him a place in his realm to rule as Legolas own, in which the elf could dwell with his people. Therefore South Ithilien was given to Legolas to do as he pleases and in the rule of an elf-lord, the lovely woodland became the last haven of the elves upon Middle-earth, ere the call of the sea-longing becomes to strong to bear and so they sail over sea, never to return.
'Aragorn'.
He may be King now, but to Legolas he will always be Estel, his best friend and remain. This was also another reason Legolas had decided to stay in middle-earth rather than forsaking it for The Undying Lands. His friends was a treasure to him, more dear than all the riches of the world. He was not willing to bid farewell to them yet. He smiled to himself remembering each and every one of them. How they had long toiled together under the shadows of evil to fight the growing darkness from engulfing all their beloved lands. And that friendship never failed, never once wavered but only grew stronger with each taken step. But time had changed and he had lost many of his friends to the slow decay of time, robbing them off their strength and finally claimed them to sleep in the peacefulness of death.
Legolas remembered well, the warning of his father of befriending mortals. 'Befriending mortals would only caused you much grieve my son. They will grow old and fade while you will remain untouched by the passing time. And you will be forced to watch them wither and fade while you yourself remained untouched by the wheel of time,' Thranduil had once told his son. Legolas had to agree to his father's words. It wasn't apparent then when those words were being uttered, so many ages ago, but to the elf's dismay it had proven only too true now. He didn't know if immortality was a joy or a curse. What joy it was to live forever but what grief it was also to watch all that you had grown to know and love be taken away from you or changed forever beyond recognition. And Legolas had come to realize the sting of mortality. He had lost his beloved friends by the clutches of it.
Eomer, Faramir, Merry and Pippin had all succumbed to the Valar's gift to Mortals.
While he, an Immortal still lingers watching, as all around him, all things he had known and loved, to be consumed by the swift stream of time. For it is said that time passes both swiftly and slowly for the elves while they themselves remain physically unchanged. But still Legolas did not depart to seek blissfulness upon other shores for two of his closest friends.
'Aragorn. Gimli'.
Legolas grins to himself when he remembers the first time he had come to know the dwarf.
'No one trusts an elf!' Gimli had bellowed to him at the Council of Elrond so many long years ago when they were met to discuss the fate of the ring. And when they had both been chosen to be part of the fellowship of nine walkers to destroy the ring, it was a miracle that they didn't kill each other right away. It was not to say that they became friends easily. As a matter of fact, it took many dangers (and seemingly one death) to change their minds about each other. But in the end, they became best friends and when Gimli became the lord of the Glittering Caves of Aglarond in the land of Rohan, still they often visited each other. And Legolas was pleased beyond words when Gimli had come to stay with him in Ithilien. The dwarf is now old but still hale.
'Actually,' Legolas corrected himself. Gimli's body may be old but he still has the heart of a young wolf. He (as a matter of fact the whole realm) was careful not to mention the unfortunate word 'old' to Gimli as the dwarf would take offence swiftly if ever that word was being uttered. Especially, if it was spoken in reference to the dwarf.
Legolas laughed softly to himself remembering his friend's antics. But as quickly as his mirth had come to him, the elf sobered when his thoughts rested upon Aragorn once more. For over a century now, Aragorn had fulfilled his role as a King tirelessly and without flaws with the loyal aids of his steward, Faramir and his friends. After the death of Faramir over a year ago, the steward's place was replaced by his son Boromir (who was named after his late uncle).
Since then Legolas had noticed a subtle change on Aragorn's demeanour. He began to become less and less directly involved in the governing of the kingdom and often his young heir Eldarion would take over his many responsibilities while he would indirectly advice his son on the ways of the country. Legolas had perceived a sense of weariness from Aragorn and knew that it goes deeper than age. The children from the race of Numenor are blessed with a lifespan three times longer than the average men and Aragorn had lived even longer than any man of recent days.
Of late, Legolas thoughts had often strayed to his most beloved friend. It was an unrest that refused to be quenched. Dark thoughts had come to Legolas' mind about his curious sense of foreboding but he often dismissed it as mere protectiveness of his friend's well being on his part. Just a habit he had required of old when he and Aragorn had spent countless times in their usually dangerous journeys together while the ring still slept in oblivion. But somehow, the unjustified unrest that was assailing him seemed to grow instead of diminish. He didn't share his uneasiness with anyone-not even Gimli for he does not want to worry anyone needlessly, especially the dwarf.
In the end, Legolas made up his mind to ride to Minas Tirith the next day to seek an answer to the riddles in his heart.
Suddenly, Legolas' thoughts were interrupted by a familiar gruff voice.
'Not dreaming again are you, Master Elf?'
Gimli was standing at the door.
Legolas smiled. 'Nay, my friend. I was just resting my thoughts,' he answered simply.
The dwarf though, was not convinced with the answer.
'What seemed to be troubling you lately my friend?' Gimli asked.
Legolas shook his head. 'There is nothing wrong Gimli,' he said again knowing well enough that his stubborn friend would never buy that excuse. The dwarf knew him too well to be fooled by such simple excuse. And his thoughts were proven true.
Gimli let out a loud impatient sigh.
'Do you think you can fool me with that ill excuse of yours? Do you think I've been your friend for all these years and could not tell when you are hiding something from me. I've noticed you brooding all these while and only waited for you to tell me what is going on in that strange mind of yours, yourself. But since you had failed to do so, I've decided to ask you myself. Now tell me what is wrong?'
If his thoughts had not been so preoccupied, Legolas would have marvel at how many words the dwarf had managed to utter in one single breath. He knew that Gimli will not let the matter rest until he had wrench all there is to it from Legolas. 'Curse, this dwarfish stubbornness,' Legolas thought darkly. But instead he just sighed, although it was a minor compared to Gimli's.
'You were thinking of the sea, weren't you?' Gimli's voice was softer when he said this but laced with sudden anxiousness. Gimli was afraid that his friend would leave him for the sea-that fact was clear. Although he was of the race of the dwarves which were ever suspicious of the elves but he had come to know and loved this elf. To lose Legolas would be like losing a part of his heart to the dwarf. Obviously, Gimli would never admit to that fact out loud but everyone, (said elf included) knew that Gimli would grief to the death should he loses his great friend.
Legolas didn't answer the question, which means that Gimli's guess was correct. But from the elf's face Gimli could tell that there was more to the elf's thoughts than meets the eye.
'And?' said Gimli, prompting the elf.
'And what?' Legolas said bewildered of the interrogation.
'There's more. Thinking of the sea is not the only burden you carry in your mind. Come now Legolas, do you not trust me enough to open up to me. Or am I not worthy to know of your thoughts?' Gimli's voice was quiet.
Legolas looked up, shocked written clearly upon his fair face to hear those words.
'No! Of course not Gimli. You know that I trusted you more than I do my own people.' exclaimed Legolas.
'Then tell me what's bothering you my friend, for I hate to see you suffer alone. At least allow me to share your burden.' Gimli said.
Legolas sighed again. He looked at his dear friend in the eye and finally he let go of his reservation and he told Gimli of the unrest he had felt about Aragorn.
When Legolas was done, Gimli looked just as perplexed as he felt.
But before the dwarf had the chance to voice his concern and opinion, an elf step into the midst of the conversation.
'Pardon me, my lords, but a messenger had just arrived from Minas Tirith and he brought a message from the King Elessar to the elf-lord of Ithilien and Master Gimli. Legolas and Gimli looked at each other, both wondering what it might be. Nodding a thank you to the elf, both Legolas and Gimli went to accept the message.
An hour later, a white horse was seen galloping away in the direction of Minas Tirith. The rider was an elf, his fair hair flowing behind him from the speed of his steed. Behind him a dwarf sat clinging upon his companion's cloak, ill at ease it seemed to be riding such a tall beast.
The message that was sent had been short and simple. The King had the need to see his friends once more. It was not the first time that either Legolas or Gimli had ever received such messages from Aragorn. Yet, after Legolas' foreboding about, Aragorn the pair perceived that there was more to the message than was stated.
For the same reason, both he and Gimli had set out as soon as the message was received. Now they are riding hard, keen to reach the city before the day ends. Neither spoke for words seemed to slow down their urgent errand. Urgent? Urgent because of what? Both their hearts thought of that but neither wanted to question it. All that mattered to them is that they reach Minas Tirith soon to Aragorn as possible. At length, it was Gimli who broke the silence.
'What is the reason for the summoned do you think Legolas?' he asked, his voice rising against the sound of hooves.
Legolas shook his head. 'I do not know Gimli. But I am sure important matters is at hand or else Aragorn would not have summoned us thus,' answered the elf in la likewise tone.
'I do not deny that fact. Only to me it seemed strange after our talk earlier. The irony of it all seemed too much to my mind. It is as though Aragorn knew of our thoughts,' pondered Gimli.
'I know not the answer to the riddle Gimli,' said Legolas concealing much of his thoughts and unrest within himself.
'Well, I just don't enjoy bumping like a sack in this age,' grumbled Gimli.
Legolas could not conceal his smile this time. 'Are you admitting that you are old now, Gimli?'
'Now don't you try to be funny elf,' Gimli growled.
Legolas didn't answer though he chuckled softly to himself.
They rode on.
To be continued...
I'd like to say a huge thank you to my sole reviewer for the previous chapter; Frodo3791.