Chapter 25: Namarie

For three days, Legolas had not been seen at the camp. Even though, none spoke of his absence aloud, it was certainly noted by all of the them. Gimli had taken it as his personal mission to watch for the Elf's return. Though the Dwarven warrior respected the Elf's privacy, he kept muttering about the folly of one Elf taking all the blame. The Dwarf kept his vigil but he did not hesitate to lend his assistance whenever it was needed.

Arrangements had to be made to gather the corpse. Eomer had sent for his sister earlier on, while doing his best to sustain some sort of order. Aragorn had taken upon his kingly role and was seeing to the wounded along with some of the expert healers. The four Hobbits were about but were under the vigilant watch of the White Wizard. Gimli suspected that the Istari had wanted to reassure himself that all was well.

Only at night, they would hear singing that permeate through the air. The songs were in Sindarin though few understood the language, it was evident that it was the Elven's Prince tribute to the Moon Princess. The words changed as the melody reflected the Elf's every emotion: despair, hopeful, loss, longing. The Elf's voice was truly enchanting as the songs reached the deepest chasms of their hearts and all mourned alongside the Elf. Many of Legolas' companions feared that he would succumb to grief and die of a broken heart. At least the singing brought them some reassurances that the Elf was near.

"I like Legolas' singing. It is most unfortunate that I don't understand it," remarked Pippin. It was innocent really, and he didn't really expect an answer.

"The Elf-Prince sings of the fall of the Dark Lord and the Bearer of Peace, my young Took," replied Gandalf.

The members of the Fellowship along with Eomer was sitting around the fire. Aragorn signed, hoping to relieve some of his tension. His worries was more evident at the mention of the Elf's name. Aragorn had fought the urge to look for Legolas and bring him to his senses. At the same time, he sympathesized with the pain that the Elf must be feeling. The sacrifice lies on the same pretense as Arwen who had forsaken her own immortality for love. Serenity had sacrificed her life for all of Middle Earth. This time, there seemed no way of her coming back and Aragorn feared that it would be the fall of the Woodland Prince. Now, Aragorn clung to the Elven song and hope that somehow Legolas would learn to live again. He must ... and Aragorn vowed to stand by the Elf's said if needed.

"My lord?" inquired Eomer.

Aragorn had unconsciously stirred the cup in his hand and starring off. At the sound of Eomer's voice, he turned but said nothing, instead he began to translate the Silvan Song that Legolas had begun to sing

--oo--

The crowd erupts as the titans collide

What was about to occur the female despised

Forced to fight for others joy

Not allowed to leave unless one was destroyed

With swords quite blunt form continuous wear

The scorn from his lips she could never repair

The praise of the crowd was not for her

Laughter and disgrace, a deathly lure

Against brute strength she was left wanting

But the speed of her movements were ever so taunting

With a gleam in her eyes of murderous passion

She let forth a series of strikes in varying succession

He stepped to his left and slipped on his right

A hairs breath too close to a well placed strike

She faked for a swipe and went for a lunge

Watching his face as her sword did plunge

With two swords in hand she went for his head

Watching as he hit the ground, inevitably dead

She looked on with a smirk gracing her lips

Observing the body as it continued to twitch

She eased her stance and lowered her gaze

What she just accomplished left none un-amazed

Her eyes spoke of sorrow and untimely regret

The first time she took a life she would not forget

Her body was beaten along with her swords

The sting from her wounds she all but ignored

She looked at his head and how he was saved

Knowing this would happen to all those enslaved

None spoke when Aragorn reached the last stanza and the Elf's song was heard no more. With that Aragorn rose and followed the general direction of the voice. Gimli had wanted to follow as well, but Gandalf intervened. "I understand your concern, Master Dwarf, but something transpired that only the two can resolve. However, I have complete faith that you will be there for either or both of them when they are ready."

--oo--

Legolas had settled himself among the refuge of the trees. The foliage was so dense that even the most experienced of trackers would have quite a feat to decipher his trail. The Elf Prince did not wish to be found and the trees had sensed his distress and they tried somehow to lend him strength. Legolas did the only thing that brought him some comfort and that was to sing. His voice carried by the night breeze and resonated throughout the forest.

When he finished the last song, one depicting the strength and of her ... he could not bring himself to say her name. In his mind, he was left with the last image of her, scar-ridden body, dress tainted with her blood. He tried to conjure up a happier memory, the first time that they met, the sensation of her lips upon his, but it was in vain. He heard not of her voice or her whimsical laughter. He felt that he had failed her somehow. She fought alone and died alone and he could not bring himself to say goodbye.

--oo--

Aragorn knew not whether he was going in the right direction, but the stars were merciful. It seemed that even the moon was bound to lead him to the Elf Prince. The trees revealed the path to him for they knew that he came to save the Elven Prince. Suddenly, he heard soft crying from above and Man was not surprised that Legolas sought refuge so high from the ground.

"Mellon nin," he spoke softly.

Legolas turned at the familiar Elvish and he was not surprised to see the Man there. However, he did wonder how Aragorn had so easily tracked him. Legolas said nothing and instead turned his head upward. He just wanted to be alone and suffered in solitude. He felt himself enveloped in darkness, deprived of light.

Then when Aragorn attempted to climb up, Legolas, out of decency and concern for his friend jumped down in a swift and fluid movement. The two friends then sat in a comfortable silence until Legoals got up and starred upon the Moon from the clearing. "You know, she could charm Moon rays." Aragorn knew that 'she' was Serena, but he only waited for Legolas to continue.

"One night, we stow away from the rest of the camp and we were together rather blissfully, without any burdens or duties. Then she was caught in the moonlight and a great spectacle of beauty erupted ... it was as though all of Arda had decided to grace us with its presence. "

He stopped and starred at the Human. "Estel, I can't remember her voice, or her laughter. All I see is her blood ... and I failed her ... failed to protect her ..."

Aragorn had rarely seen the Elf openly expressed his emotions. Legolas had always been strong, throughout their travels of the Fellowship. It was the Elven Prince who was resilient to the bitter elements and defied death. Legolas was a warrior but now his shield was down with his eyes clouded with stubborn tears. Aragorn held Legolas as a father to a son and merely whispered, "No, Legolas, you have not failed her. Lady Serena was a warrior, she knew what path fate has dealt her. She had your love even in death and held your image when she came to past. She loved life too much and she would not bear to see you thus. She is the Moon Princess as she is in every raindrop and moon beams."

Aragorn starred at the Elf from arms length and said determinedly, "She lives in the memories of all those she has touched. She is both wisdom and innocence. Your mind may not see her but your heart will have her image forever engraved. Do not give into the grief for Serena could not bear it so. She had opened her heart to strangers and fought for love and justice. Her spirit is never far."

His words brought the Elf out of his saddened state but Aragorn knew that it would be long before the wound will fade but never forgotten with time. Together, they returned to the camp and all welcomed the two into the circle around the fire. Legolas smiled slightly at the Hobbits who began to engage him in a tale about, none other than, food. Gimli bellowed about the great feasts at the Dwarven realm. The rest only shared a look as they observed the scene in merriment.

--oo--

They left for Minas Tirith the next day and as always Gimli rode with Legolas. At times, Legola fell into deep thoughts and his stance emitted a state of melancholy. The Dwarf would place one hand upon the Elf's shoulder and said, "We are here for you, laddie."

Legolas knew what Gimli was trying to say, "Thank you, Elf-friend."

The Elven Prince had taken it upon himself to tell Lady Eowyn about the fate of Serena. Eomer had stopped him earlier and said, "If Lady Serenity is in the highest regards of my sister, Lord Aragorn and yourself, then I am certain that she is indeed one with the purest heart. I grieve for your lost, though I did not know her well. However, I doubt the Lady would be please to see the weight that you carry upon yourself. Do not succumb to the grief, Master Elf but live for hope."

Eomer clasped the Elf and nodded his consent for Legolas to see his sister. Legolas realized how transparent his emotions were but at the same time, he realized just how much Serena had touched the lives of the people of Middle Earth.

--oo--

As for the Lady of Rohan, she had embraced him as he was in the middle of his account. Faramir had left them earlier to give them some privacy but it was clear that the Steward was saddened by the loss. In the end, Legolas had said, "I apologized, Lady Eowyn for I had clearly forgotten of your hurts."

"No, Master Elf, it is I who is indebted to you. Your hurt seems far graver. The pains of the heart is better healed once it is shared. Winter has passed for me and I ..."

She stopped then as if she had just remember something. She went to the stand beside her bed and retrieved an object. Taking the right hand of the Elf, she tenderly placed the object in his palm and wrapped his fingers around it. Legolas starred questionably at it before turning to face Eowyn.

"Lady Serena was like a dear sister to me. In the short time, she had touched my heart in more ways than one. This Star Locket was hers and she gave it to me in hopes that I may somehow learn to trust in the intuitions of the heart. I am certain that it will give you strength."

Legolas was speechless as he held the Lunarian relic in his hand but his silence spoke his thanks for some sort of remembrance from the Moon Princess. His mind was muddled when he took leave of Lady Eowyn.

--oo--

Once again, he found solitude underneath the moonlight. There were few trees about but the stars twinkled above him. He clutched the Star Locket in one hand and with the other, he flipped it open. Legolas released the breath that he did not know he was holding as he felt himself washed by the soft instrumental melodies. He felt complete for the first time since her death.

"There is another way that I can keep my promise to you, Serenity." In his eyes, she saw Serena smiling at him, and each moment that they shared flashed before him to the most vivid of details. His heart felt as if it would burst, and he no longer held back his tears at seeing her in front of him.

"I realize where I belong ..." he whispered to the vision.

--oo--

The next morning, Aragorn and Gimli found Legolas in a small clearing away from the camp. The Elf's eyes were closed but as the two friends reached to wake him, they met a lifeless body. In one of his hand, the Elven Prince was clutching his bow with the essence of Cosmos woven into the bow string and the Star Locket. The other held the blood stained blade, one that Aragorn immediately recognized as one of the Prince's. However, underneath the blade was a piece of parchment on which the Elven Prince had wrote out the words to the song that Aragorn had translated only a few nights before. Aragorn cried for the loss of his friend as he read the words that accompanied the song.

"To my friends,

I write this with the most burdened of hearts. I realized as I sat beneath the stars that I do not belong here. Though all of you have tried to offer comfort, I can find no solace when a part of myself is gone. I have experienced death once, only to be revive when a part of Cosmos, her starseed was shared with me.

I live only to sustain hope and peace upon the people of Middle Earth but that has already been achieved. Aragorn, you shall lead the people, your people into the new age. I have faith in you, mellon nin, my brother. I shall stand with you in spirit.

Gimli, Elf-friend, your friendship shall bring hope in rebuilding the friendship of Elves and Dwarves. You trust that our story will be passed along for many generations to come.

Gandalf, even your greatest counsel would not deter me from this path. Please try to understand.

To the Hobbits, I leave you with the words of my songs. Sing it with reverence and as I assure that the memory of the fall of the Dark Lord and Maiden from the Moon would not be forgotten.

To Eomer, Faramir, I would for a chance to know you as brothers, but,still, you have given me hope for the future of Middle Earth. Revive the former glory of Men ...

To Eowyn, please take the bow and Star Locket for no longer need them where I'll be ...

I found strength knowing that our story, the trials of the Fellowship shall never be forgotten. I am comforted though I cannot bear living when my heart is at a loss. I am sorry, truly ... Namarie for I see her now ..."

--oo--

Aragorn, son of Arathorn returned to the fortress of the White City bearing the lifeless body of Legolas, son of Thranduil, Prince of Mirkwood. By his side was Gimli, son of Gloin who held an Elven bow, a stained Elven blade and a Star Locket. They were met by the others from the former Fellowship along with Eomer, Eowyn and Faramir. Their reactions varied but deep down, none was extremely surprised at this outcome. They knew that Legolas only truly belong with the fallen Moon Princess.

The letter was passed among them. Each incessant tear that fell, was a vow to keep their story alive for many generations to come by Hobbits, Men and Dwarfs. Hope strengthened them and peace was imminent. It was slightly bittersweet that it is only in death that two souls, two destinies were finally relieved and granted salvation.

Fin


AN: Stay tuned for the EPILOGUE!

Omg, the story has come to end. Would you believe me if I tell you this is not the ending that I had envisioned? Seriously, if you guys want me to write an alternate ending or something, leave me a review or flame me or something ... please let me know what you think.

Thank you to all my reviewers that I have stuck with this fic from beginning to end. Special thank you to Llamrei for the 'song' that was used in this chap is actually a poem called "Freedom's Cost" written by her. She has so graciously let me use it. Here's a link for it and some of her other works. http/ to address the reviews from the last chap. Special thank you goes to rstarbreeze, Silver Mystic, Koldy ... and any silent readers out there.

Jypsee (Brenda-chan): tear thank you so much for your review. It was so heartfelt, so glad that you enjoyed the fic so much.

Callisto Star: aww Calli, you're back. Thanks you so much for reviewing my fic. more tears and pass along a box of kleenex

Jenn: Don't worry ... keep reading.

Llamrei: Thank you so much for 'lending' me your poem. Poor Leggy (no longer available in the market) ... but pls don't give me that evil eye cuz like I said, this wasn't the ending that I envisioned many many months before.

ejqHorseLady: Awww, thanks so much. Hopefully this chap kept you spellbound as well!

Henio: I don't know about Legolas being yours... lol ... I think we can all give him a big giant group hug or something! What did you think of the ending?

MidnightDragonShadow: Only Sauron & Serena end up plummeting into Mount Doom. Basically before she fell into fiery chasm, she stopped time using Pluto's attack. During that time freeze, she transported both Legolas and Aragorn to say her last goodbyes. When the spell broke, Serena & Sauron continued their decend. Hope that clarify things

JeRee: blush Hopefully I got you absorbed until the very end.

Kitoky: passes more tissue don't cry, save your tears until the very end.