JC: This is it! The end of WotB!!

Kathrine: It's a bittersweet ending. Don't expect totally fluffies, we're not good at that.

JC: Anyway, this is dedicated to Eressë, who it the embodiment of support, and Mienpies, who drew us this beautiful picture of Andúnel and Amúntel. Thanks guys!

Kathrine: This chapter has that BIG character death we've been warning you about. I bet you can tell who it is by now. But it probably won't be the way you expected it.

JC: And it also has that question you've been asking… What about Glorfindel and Andúnel?

Kathrine: We hope you all enjoyed this fan fiction.

JC: Me and Jen enjoyed writing it. Kathrine only liked that someone died in the end. EVIL!!

Kathrine: What can I say, I'm a sadist.

JC: She's the reason why Legolas is so tortured. But you guys enjoy having him hurt or you wouldn't read our stories.

Kathrine: Also, there is a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT at the end of this. But you'll heave to read to get there.

Warnings: Major Character Death, Angst, Drama, Slash, Mpreg, THE END

Disclaimer: WE DO NOT OWN LOTR!!! Although, we do own our wonderful Twins.

Weight of the Burden

By JC and Jennifer

Chapter 9

He stared down at the weakened body on the bed, breathing soft, yet labored. Never before had his friend's age seemed more apparent than it did at that time. His eyes were closed, although he knew he was awake. It was just too much work to keep them open now, and he cursed the King's mortal more now than he had ever done before in all their years together. It was that very blood that was taking his friend from him, stealing the noble soul he had come to cherish.

" 'Lass…" The soft shortening of his name whispered in the quiet room echoed in his soul.

" I am here, mellon-mir nín," he assured him. He took up the pale thin hand on the bed and rubbed it between his own.

" Ar…Arwen…where…?" the voice began to fade away.

" She has gone to get you something to eat," Legolas replied. " She will be back soon."

" No…get…time…"

He knew what those meant and wasted no time in forcing his growing body to its feet and hurrying to the door. To his luck, he opened it just as a young servant girl was passing by. " Gelimae," he called, knowing her name from the long time he had spent in this corridor where she always worked.

" Yes, Lord Legolas?" she turned to him. " Do you or the King require anything?"

" Please send for the Queen from the kitchens and Prince Eldarion," he told her. " You know who else to inform, we have readied for this. Do it with the utmost haste!" Realizing what the Edhel was speaking of, the young woman nodded before rushing off to do as she was bid.

The blond Prince turned around and immediately returned to his friend's side. " Your beloved is coming, Estel," he told him. " As are those who love you most. Please, do not leave just yet."

A sad smile crossed the aged features before grey eyes finally opened into slits. He stared up at his companion before giving a short shake of his head. " Amin…hiraetha," he said. He then took in a deep breath. " What paths…we lead…you and I…"

" Save your strength Aragorn," the Edhel advised him.

" If I must…use the last of…my strength," Elessar countered, "…I would say farewell…to those I…love…"

The door burst opened and Legolas backed from the bed as Arwen rushed to the side, kneeling down. " Oh, Estel-nín," she whispered sadly, but no tears in her eyes. " Why be it now that we must part?" The dark-haired Man raised his hand to touch the face that no longer was eternally young. The stress from her husband's illness had only brought about the aging faster.

The fright of that day long ago, Aragorn's collapse in the hall outside of Legolas' sick chamber, had only been the first of many. Who would have thought it to be the heart that had loved so deeply, that had dedicated so much of itself, that had proven its worth time and time again…who had believed it to be the weakness that would bring down such a Man?

A week had passed after and Aragorn was well once more, but never would he be the same. He became weaker in the year after, unable to do the simply recreations he had once loved, but still competent in mind as King. But in the months to come, the fatigue became too much and he would have to rest more, and then the stress became worrisome. Eldarion had been called home from his time with the Dúnedain and began to take on more his father's duties at court. Three years later, he held most if not all of the responsibilities and decisions of state.

Aragorn had not been afraid, had not complained, and later lost the frustration at his deceasing condition. He accepted what he knew became of all mortals. And yet he knew what pain that those around him would feel, the sorrow that they hid within their eyes rather than let show. They wanted to be strong for him, so that he wouldn't regret anything when the time finally came…but he could not help but regret everything that seemed unfinished, left undone.

" Melamin…" he smiled at Arwen. " We have had…a wonderful…life together… Do not…despair."

" No," she shook her head. " We will not be parted long." Her words were deep and binding and Aragorn knew that they were completely true. Rather than feel pain knowing that his death would lead to his beloved's own, he nodded, pulling her hand up to kiss with his dry lips.

" Father."

The others had arrived at the same time. Eldarion stepped past Gimli and into the room. His eyes remained trained on the bed, but he did not speak. His father turned his head to look upon him, eyes piercing and yet, saddened. The Prince did not get closer than a step or two from the bed. The two Telcontar said nothing to one another; it was not needed. They had spoken often in the time since the son had returned home and they knew all that need be passed between them. There was no use in sorrowful farewells.

Aragorn was the first to break their stare and then turned to those who had followed his son into the room. Legolas' sons stood by the door, not willing to look towards the bed. They were not as affected by his passing as others. They had been born into a world where Elves were nearly gone and were not as composed upon their own immortality. They had watched as many they had come to care for passed on, the Hobbits, Merry and Pippin, Lord Faramir, Lady Éowyn, their son Boromir, King Éomer, and even friends they cared for as children. Unlike most Immortals, death to them was almost common.

He then gazed over to Gimli, whose eyes were beginning to fill with tears, though he would never admit it. The Dwarf crossed to the other side of the bed and placed a comforting hand upon his shoulder. He had not been able to escape the wearing of time, either. His beard was now completely grey and all that was left of his fiery red color was the few thick streaks within his braid upon his head. But Aragorn knew that he would not remain here long, his brothers had already spoken to him of the gift not yet received from their grandmother. He was not even sure that Legolas knew of it yet.

" You are the best your race ever had to offer, more than any one of us will ever be," Gimli pronounced. It seemed to be all that he could muster, for fear of becoming overly emotional and losing control of himself.

" I fear…what I would…have lost out upon…had I not met you…Master Dwarf," Aragorn replied. " Since the beginning…we've had great…tales between us… Do not fear…to enjoy what…gifts you have…been given…" There was confusion at the dark-haired man's words, but Gimli was too taken by the sincerity of them. The tears did fall then, trickling down from his green eyes and onto his cheeks and beard.

He turned then, leaving his beside and then the room. The younger set of twins watched as he departed. " You have always been like the Adar we did not know," the younger gwanunig stated.

" You helped to raise us and we are grateful and cherish all of the time we have spent together," Andúnel continued. " We will not forget you or anything you have done for us." They bowed and then left, gong after the depressed Dwarf. Legolas watched them leave and felt the need to go after them. He wanted to comfort his children, but that they would deal with their grief on their own. They would be greatly saddened, but would not lose themselves to it.

A gentle hand touched his shoulder and then Elrohir and Elladan finally stepped forward, something they had hesitated to do. He knew how hard it was for his lovers when they had to let go of their mortal companions. They knew and understood death, but it still made it no easier. They had helped to foster the Heirs to Isildur's line for over a millennium, but they still felt the loss when they finally succumbed to their mortality.

" Estel, do not regret the life you have lived," Elladan told him, tears already upon his cheeks. " You have accomplished so much, loved so deeply, acted so selflessly, and lived so fully. There should not be anything to regret, though you may believe otherwise."

Elrohir nodded and he gave his sister an understanding embrace, though her hand was still clasped within her husband's. " Your children are grown, strong, and beautiful," he pointed out. " Your people are strong, hale, and happy. Please do not feel sadness for those still here, muindor-nín." Elladan gave the man a brief, yet loving kiss upon the brow before backing away from the bed.

" There is nothing more than can be said, Aragorn, so of Arathorn," Glorfindel said. " Though your memory and body will be gone, your spirit will not be forgotten. I am honored to have known you." He placed a hand upon his heart, showing his salute to the King, before giving a low bow. Aragorn took his free hand and placed it over his own heart as well, taking in a deep breath as he did so.

The Lord of Eryn Gael remained still. He knew not how to approach that which he knew was inevitable. He knew that sometimes death was the certain end to many things, but that made it no easier to swallow. Would he have to watch Gimli die as well? Would he be the last of the Fellowship to leave Middle Earth? It was unknown to him whether or not Frodo and Sam were still living in Valinor, if mortals were given such a gift. Were they actually dead? Would he mourn all of the Fellowship, save he himself? Even Gandalf he had thought dead for some time.

But he's more than just part of the Fellowship, he thought. I've watched him grow since he was a child, watched many of his mistakes, felt many of his achievements… How do you let go? All of the times we've spent together, all of the adventures we've shared…even before the Quest. Is this why my Father warned me against befriending mortals? Because of the hole they would leave in me once they were gone?

Aragorn saw the indecision in his eyes. He knew that this would not be as easy for the blonde to accept. Death was something the blonde had never learned to handle well. After years of working together in Ithilien, rebuilding the broken forest, sharing each other's confidences, Legolas had mourned Faramir for many weeks. To lose someone that was so dear to him as Aragorn… There was no foretelling how he would react.

" I…know not how to say goodbye," Legolas started, his voice soft and despairing. He placed a hand against his large, swollen stomach. " How do I accept that you won't be here to witness the birth of this child as you were with the twins? How do I tell of you when it is nothing like you being there to watch him grow?" He closed his eyes, not even fighting to keep back the tears.

He finally gained the courage to get closer, letting his hand trace the aged lines of the still strong jaw and high cheekbones. Aragorn gave a weak shake of his head at the deep sorrow emanating from the Immortal being. " Do not…despair…now," he told him. " In another time…another place…things will be different…"

Recalling the conversation they'd shared when he had been dealing with his own troubles, Legolas managed a smile, the words more comforting than anyone else in the room, save them two, would understand. " Yes, meldir nín," he agreed. " In another time, another place. Perhaps somewhere, in a future unlike our own, it is that time."

He then lowered himself as much as he could and gave brief, yet loving, kisses to the man's cheeks and brow. It was when he was about to give one to his lips as well that Aragorn reached out shakily and stopped him. Legolas understood why when he saw the expression within his eyes. " I know," he whispered. " It is not that time…nor is it the place." He struggled to his feet and looked at Arwen. " I know you wish to have with him alone." He turned and walked out the door, his lovers leaving with him.

As Elrohir shut the door, Legolas leaned heavily against the wall, Elladan checking over him. The twins knew that their lover was drained, exhausted from his ever strong vigilance of watching over Aragorn. Over the past year, Legolas had given up his Lordship over Eryn Gael, knowing that it would not matter. The firsts of the ships that would carry them to Valinor was nearing completion and there was not one Edhel left in Ithilien that would not being accompanying him on this final journey. They would be the last Elves to leave Middle Earth. All others had made the choice to forever remain.

But Legolas was nearing time for the birth of their child. He was already twelve months along, having a much healthier pregnancy this time than with the twins. They had wondered what day he would give birth, although the blonde said he knew the date, but would not release it. The Peredhil merely decided to wait it out, readying themselves for anything. They had not, and would not, miss a single event in this child's journey into life and after.

" I…" Legolas didn't know what to say. He was sure that his lovers were curious about what had transpired within the room, but could not completely explain it.

" 'Tis all right, malternil," Elladan rubbed his hands over his arms. " We understand that it is not something for us to know. What you shared with our brother was something very deep, very binding. It was deeper than physical love, yet not sexual in any way."

" Maybe," he sighed. " Maybe more than you know." He could still hear those precious words, spoken to him with true devotion and a wistful tone. And even his reply had been sincere and true, if only the future had not been this future. But it had not, for it was this future, this path, and they had to make choices of what options they had been given, find happiness in those open to them.

Even so, he thought. I cannot regret the love I have finally found, as he would never regret giving his heart and soul to his Evenstar Queen. We would still make those same choices in this life if given the chance, for this was not the time to change them. And he knew that they were happy with that.

/ " You know 'Lass, if…times has been different…I would have fought for your heart…perhaps we could have lived a happy life together…" /

/ " We would have been very happy, meldir nín, very happy… Had it been but another time." /

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Epilogue

He stood at the head of the ship, letting the precious sea wind tussle his golden mane. He could just see the outline of land out before them, showing that they were finally nearing their destination. It would not be long now before he was reunited with those he had let go before him. His father had only left three years before, unable to withstand the wait any longer, taking both Goldhînen and Thôredhel and leaving Eryn Lasgalen to finally be lost within the world of Man's myth and legend. It had only been a few months after the death of King Elessar Telcontar and the crowning of the King Eldarion Telcontar.

Glosshen and Lagorwest were aboard the ship with him, most likely playing some strategic game in their quarters that the elder of the two would playfully claim Glosshen had cheated on. They performed this ritual at least once a day to keep themselves occupied on the long voyage. It was also to stem Lagorwest's excitement at finally being able to reunite with his beloved, who had left over a century before when Lady Galadriel journeyed to the Undying Lands. Legolas held no doubts that Rumil probably missed his brother as well.

" Ada!" He turned and opened his arms to the small form rushing towards him. The child quickly leapt into his arms, hiding his head in the crook between his shoulder and neck.

" Come back here you little ruffian!" the bellow of the familiar accented voice followed the heavy steps.

" What has been done now, Gimli?" he asked when the Dwarf came into view, noticing that his lovers were right behind him.

" The miniature version of yourself thought it would be enjoyable to add water to my pipeweed!" he snorted. " That was my last!" He quickly spared a sharp glare at the two dark-haired Peredhil who stood behind him, small snickers coming from their throats.

" Arestel," Legolas admonished.

" I thought it was an herb Ada!" he explained, his hand nervously twirling the end of his single golden blonde braid. " I just wanted to try to make a s-sal-sal…"

" Salve," he gave him.

" Yeah, salve!" he replied. " I'm going to be a healer!"

" You are?" Legolas replied, awe in his voice for the benefit of his small hên. " Well, you should wait a little while longer before you begin your training, pen-neth. Soon you will meet Lord Elrond, one of the greatest healers of our kind. You may ask him any question you want and mayhap, when you're old enough, you may become his apprentice."

" Elrond?" the child's eyes were wide at the familiar name. " You mean Ata'da is a healer?"

" Yes," Elrohir nodded. " Our father is a great healer. He will be happy to teach you."

" Yay!" the child jumped about in his father's arms, silvery grey eyes shining with excitement.

Legolas laughed at the energetic child's actions. " Okay, it is nearing time for dinner," he looked out at the beautiful setting sun. " Apologize for watering down Uncle Gimli's detestable smoke-weed and then go find your brothers. You all should get ready for evening meal."

The child gave a brief mischievous smile but climbed out of the blonde's lap and stood before the sturdy Dwarf. "I'm sorry for wat-watering down your detes-detest…" he started.

" That's enough Estel-tithen," Elladan smiled. He gave a small push on the ellon's back. " Go find your brothers." The child nodded before hurrying off calling out his brothers' names constantly.

" No matter how upset you get with him…" Gimli sighed.

" You can never stay mad with him for long," Legolas chuckled. " I wonder if I was that adorable at his age."

" Who do you think he inherited it from?" his lovers asked in unison.

Gimli let out a breath of defeat, throwing his hands up in the air. " And he inherited his roguish ways from all three of you!" He pointed an accusatory finger at Legolas. " How many times did you yourself 'water down my detestable smoke-weed'?"

" Only twice or thrice…" he replied, " …a season."

" Bah!" the Dwarf shook his head, knowing that he could not win this particular battle. " I shall ready for meal, send for me when it is prepared." He headed off then, mumbling beneath his breath about crazy elves and their trickster offspring, knowing perfectly well that the three could hear him.

The twins snickered once more as he left them, knowing that their grandmother had indeed made the right choice. The Dwarf would be welcomed into Valinor by the immensity of his deeds, the favor of Galadriel, and by the wondrous strength of the friendship he shared with Legolas. For a Dwarf to have done so much for Middle Earth, and broken such barriers between his race and that of the Edhil, the Valar welcomed him.

" He's growing up so fast," Legolas whispered. " Soon, he'll want to start riding horses and everything else that he shouldn't do. He's only three."

" If I remember," Elrohir recalled, " you were barely older than he when you decided you were grown enough to climb the huge oak in your father's courtyard. You fell and broke your left arm, your ankle, your collarbone, and had a concussion that lasted for four days. Your mother almost had the tree cut down when you said you were going to 'do better' next time."

" But I was a foolish child who didn't listen when I should have," he admitted. " I don't want him to have to make mistakes like that to realize what is right or wrong." It was obvious that his words held more meaning than appeared at first thought.

" Mistakes are what shape your decisions in the future," Elladan replied. " He needs to have some slips if he's going to be strong enough to conquer the entire mountain."

" But I don't want him to slip too far," he stated.

" Then we'll just have to be there to make sure that he's able to get up again," Elrohir assured him. ' He won't be alone. We'll always be there for him. He's going to be a handful, but we'll get through it. Together."

Legolas thought on those words. Indeed, their son had been quite an energetic handful ever since he was born. He had been born barely into Gwaeron, just as rhîw was coming to an end, the thaw already releasing nature from its icy grasp. And it had been exactly on the day he had believed, Aragorn's birthday. It had only been enough to settle his final fears. For, whether or not Men went to anything like where Edhil journeyed, Estel was watching over him and his child.

His lovers had been with him through everything, comforting him when he felt depression creeping, or when his anger was out of control. They had helped him when he decided to take the duty of watching over Aragorn, even though they believed it would only stress him and cause problems for the baby. In the end, when his friend had passed, he had cried, he had mourned, but he went on. He knew that Estel would not have wanted him to remain sinking in a pool of despair and so he did not.

Instead, he readied for his child and helped prepare Arwen for her journey. She would go to Lothlórien, to spend her last days in the realm she had felt most at home. But the twins had almost not gone with her. They had been so worried that he would give birth while they were gone. Legolas had finally forced them into joining their sister in her last journey, reassuring them that Arestel would not come until they had returned. He had been right. He had come the very next day after their arrival.

" We should reach shore by tomorrow at noon," Elladan commented offhandedly, his eyes on the horizon. " We'll finally get to see everyone again."

" Naneth…" Elrohir whispered.

" Yes, your mother will be waiting," Legolas agreed, but suddenly became somewhat thoughtful, realizing something he had not encountered before. " Do you think she would have approved of your choice, of me?"

" Approved?" Elladan gave laughed. " She would have tried to force us into a bond long ago! Valar, she would have adored you."

" Aye," Elrohir agreed. " You are everything she would have looked for in a mate for us." He kissed the blonde's lips, wrapping his arms around his waist. " Everything we ever wanted."

Elladan came up behind him, completing the embrace. " 'Tis it not strange how everything has worked itself out?" he asked. " Our love is strong and beautiful, we have a wonderful child to raise together, and our twins finally have everything they ever wanted."

" Yes, I see what you mean," Elrohir agreed. " Before stepping off that shore, Middle Earth gave us the most precious gifts we could ever have. We said goodbye, but we will never forget the wondrous people, adventures, and bonds it gave us."

Indeed, everything had been perfect when they left. Amúntel and Ithinor had been bonded to each other for five years now, and it seemed like they could not go an hour without proving their love to each other in some physical manor. Kisses, caresses, sexual innuendo in every sentence, the two were some of the most passionate lovers he had ever known of.

But where as Amúntel's love was passionately open and physical, Andúnel had only captured his closed and even skittish lover eighteen months before. Glorfindel was a hard, yet worthy catch the elder twin had not given up upon. Exclusive walks, lengthy conversations, subtle flirtation, special 'gifts' sent by a secret admirer. In the end, it had been a lesson from Amúntel's own actions that led to Glorfindel's failing reserve. He could no longer deny that he felt a deep 'something' for the auburn-haired Edhel and in the passing of two hours (though he still did not know what has transpired) they had finally given themselves to one another.

They were happy, though a quiet companionship. Neither felt the need to pronounce their love in everything they did for they believed they felt it deeply enough in their hearts and souls. Rather, they would instead perform small tasks for one another and give small thoughtful gifts. Where his twin was carnal with his love, Andúnel was subtle romance. From how strong and deep their relationships were, it seemed that both were right in their paths.

" Middle-Earth was kind to us," Legolas stated. " She will always been remembered in my heart as home and love, my passing maiden who gave so much and expected so little. I will miss her, but I know that she will grow without us and, perhaps, one day we will return to see how she has flourished." He turned to look out at the sun, barely above the horizon now, bringing them into a calm night of passage on the tranquil sea. They would reach their new home soon, ready to live on with their loved ones and their people.

Perhaps Nana is there already, he thought. She could be on the shore, waiting for me and my brothers, Adar at her side. Everything will finally be as it should be. He wasn't afraid of the future anymore. He knew that everything would play out as it was meant to and he no longer had to believe he was alone. He'd found everything he had ever wanted in life and needed nothing else.

See Estel? he gazed up at the stars that were already beginning to shine, leading night's path into the sky. I'm actually living now. You don't have to worry about me in the afterlife. Take your love and be happy with her as I will with mine. It is time to let go of the past and would-be futures and embrace what we already have…happiness.

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Translations :

Mellon-mir nín - My treasured friend

Edhel/Edhil - Elf (sing)/Elves (pl)

Amin hiraetha - I'm sorry

Estel-nín - My Estel/My Hope

Dunadan/Dúnedain - Ranger (sing)/Rangers (pl), Man/Men of the West

Melamin - My love

Adar/Ada - Father/Dad/Daddy

Gwanunig - Twin (sing)

Muindor-nín - My brother

Meldir-nín - My dear one

Malternil - Golden Prince

Hên - child

Pen-neth - Young one

Ata'da- Grandfather

Estel-tithen - Little Hope

Gwaeron - March

Rhîw - Winter

Naneth/Nana - Mother/Mom/Mommy

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JC: That is the end. This was a very enjoyable story and we hope that the ending came out as well as we wanted.

Kathrine: If you hadn't guessed, Arestel means 'Noble Hope'.

JC: We thought it would be fitting, and it wasn't until AFTER was had settled on it, that we realized it fit the pattern of beginning with an 'A' and ending in 'EL'.

Kathrine: If your wondering using the 'star' definition like we've shown with both sets of twins, it roughly means 'Noble-named star'.

JC: Okay, announcement time. Due to the need for actually getting into our writing career, we will be taking a break from fan fiction writing.

Kathrine: We don't know how long this break will be, but we are setting ourselves up to accomplish a goal we set when we were in the fourth or fifth grade.

JC: We want to have an actual novel published by the time we graduate high school. Seeing as we only have two years left…we want to get to it.

Kathrine: We know you're upset because we have our two other stories unfinished, but those two will be LONG epic-like stories that need more time than will be spent on them.

JC: We're not giving up on them, only taking a break to work on something else.

Kathrine: It is not only LOTR fandom we're taking a break from. We're halting everything.

JC: We just wanted to make sure we finished this story first.

Kathrine: And with all of that said…this is a great big, See ya LATER.

JC: We hope that we'll have grown in our abilities in writing by then and can say 'Go Pick up on Book!'. For more of an explanation, check out our little blog http: darkness . forwriters . org

Kathrine: Navaer…Farewell.