The waves broke upon the shore. The clouds hid the evening sun from view. The cold water washed over a figure's feet, but he does not seem to care. A shorter being approaches the taller figure. They stand together for a time, looking out over the ocean.

"How are you, laddie?" asked the small being.

"Not good, Gimli. Not good at all. No physical injury ever inflicted upon me could ever come close to the pain," said the tall one.

The one called Gimli put his hand on the other's shoulder.

"I know, Legolas, I know."

Legolas closed his eyes, trying to escape the pain, but it only brought back memories.

A solemn mood hung about the air, thick as fog. A low fire lit the room in an eerie glow. The night was young, but the man was not. His grey hair draped upon his shoulders. The lines on his face were made darker by the lighting. He lay on the bed, almost completely still except for blinking, breathing and talking. Legolas was sitting in a chair net to the man, holding his hand and talking.

"Legolas," said the man, "My time on this earth is nearly up."

Legolas smiled, despite his apparent pain.

"I know, Aragorn. You must be tired, with over 220 years on your old frame,"

Aragorn grinned, a light behind his eyes.

"And what of you, old one, for you are much my elder. Should you not be in bed, with me holding your hand?" said Aragorn.

Legolas laughed.

"Indeed, but I am not as frail as you are."

Aragorn stopped smiling. He stared of into the distance.

"Yes," he murmured, "Very frail,"

He then turned his head toward Legolas.

"Mellon nin, we have been through much together. But now, there is a journey that I must take alone."

Legolas' eyes widened. A tear traced a silver path down his cheek.

"Don't leave me, Aragorn!" he whispered, "Don't go where I can't follow!"

But Aragorn only smiled. Legolas watched the fire in his friend's eyes slowly burn out. The starlight left them, and the breath left his body. And so passed King Elessar of Gondor.

Legolas closed Aragorn's eyes, not wishing to see his eternal gaze. Legolas brought his hand up and placed it to his forehead. The elf's body convulsed in one shuddering sob. It was followed by many more that night. And that was how Gimli and Arwen found him in the morning, weeping over the loss of Aragorn.

Legolas opened his eyes, fresh tears flowing down his face. He turned towards Gimli with a look of determination, despite his tears.

"Well, friend, shall we leave?" he asked, pointing to a grey ship not far from where they were standing.

Gimli looked across the water, as far as he could see, hoping to catch a glimpse of the sun before he left. He looked at Legolas.

"Yes. We shall leave."

Legolas and Gimli walked across the sand toward the boat. And as they sailed towards the Undying Lands, Legolas could hear a faint voice on the wind. It was Aragorn's. Legolas could not hear the words, but he did not care. He closed his eyes and listened to the soft melody. He had a feeling that someone was waiting for him on the other side.