Legolas, many years later, paced the halls of Minas Tirith with anxiety and fear. He had received a message from Arwen, and the words she had used told a story deeper than the simple request that he come to Gondor and visit the royal family. He was her friend, and he knew her well. He saw Eldarion, Adyris and Alatari exit their parents' rooms, tears streaking their beautiful faces. His heart cried out, and he knew in that moment what was happening. He greeted the two daughters of Elessar with a formal nod and kiss upon the hand, and bowed to Eldarion, his eyes grave. The prince, now almost thirty-four years old, wiped his tears away and cleared his throat.
"Ada wishes to see you." Eldarion gestured to the closed door behind him.
"And quickly." Alatari, the youngest princess, only a tender seventeen years old, said, her voice abnormally quiet and strained. "It is good to see you, milord." She curtsied and Adyris nodded her greetings.
Legolas watched the children of his dearest friends and then faced the door. He felt all strength leave him and he slowly approached the door. He didn't want to turn the handle. He didn't want to face the reality that Estel was actually dying. That he was actually going to leave him alone in the world. He felt a drop of coldness on his silk shirt and he hadn't even realized he was sobbing. He opened the door and stepped in, closing it with a soft click behind him.
Arwen sat at the side of the bed, holding Aragorn's large, wrinkled hand in hers. Tears were falling freely from her face. Legolas knelt down beside her and touched her hand. He looked into Estel's face. The same silver eyes were watching him with the same hawk-like intensity as always. He bit his lower lip, gripping Aragorn's hand in his own.
"Estel," Legolas choked on his tears. "Thank you." Was all he managed to say at the moment.
"Nay," The aged face of the proud king was lined with the tears that spilled over from his eyes. "Thank you, my brother. I will not fight the inevitable, but I shall miss you both. Arwen, meleth nin, I will wait for you." He lifted his hand slowly to touch his wife's face.
Legolas averted his eyes to give the husband and wife a moment of privacy as the door once again opened. The royal children and two identical faces entered the room. Legolas stood to make room for the family. Elladan and Elrohir spoke their farewells so softly, not even the ears of Legolas could detect the words they spoke, and perhaps it was fitting. The brothers whom had raised the king from two years of age shared a special bond that was too sacred for other eyes and ears.
Aragorn groaned. "It is time." He whispered, his voice failing him. "I love you all, Eldarion, protect Gondor in the way I have raised you. Alatari, Adryis, make sure your brother fulfills his vows." The daughters smiled at the small joke. "Elladan, Elrohir, I did try." The sparkle in his old eyes was fading fast.
Arwen took her beloved's hand. "I still do not doubt my choice, Aragorn." She whispered, pressing a kiss to Aragorn's lips. "I love you."
Legolas watched from the side as Aragorn's eyes turned to him and his mouth opened, as if to say one more thing, but the look in his eyes described the love too beautiful for words as life faded from the King of the Reunited Lands of Arnor and Gondor.
"So passes Aragorn, son of Arathorn." Legolas murmured, as he fell to his knees in grief. "Estel, son of Elrond."