AUTHOR'S NOTE Hey everyone! This story is nearing its end and then that's the end of Raélowen's story! Even though it's not the end quite yet, I just want to thank all of you who have been reading.

Also, there's a short scene in here with Éomer and Lothiriel and I'd like to give huge props to author Lialathuveril for her story "Of Falcons and Mûmakil," a love story between the King and Queen of Rohan. The number is 2629396 – I suggest you all read it, it's wonderful!

DISCLAIMER Anyone Tolkien owns, I don't.

June 2, Year 61 of the Fourth Age

I was alone in the library when the messenger came. He was out of breath. I set down the book of Elvish lore I was reading and hurried to his side.

"I have," he panted. "An urgent message for you, my Lady."

I took the message and read it quickly. My blood ran cold as it fell from my hand and fluttered to the floor. "Inform Prince Legolas that I have gone," I said as I started for the door.

"Yes, my Lady."

I ran for the stables. Nelin nickered a greeting. I patted her nose, but shook my head. Instead, I opened the pen of her foal, Círar. Círar was young and strong and swift. That was what I needed.

"Noro lim," I whispered in the horse's ear. He whinnied and galloped away from Ithilien.

It had just gotten dark when I rode into Edoras. The guards of the Golden Hall led me before the King. He sat upon the throne with the Queen Lothiriel at his side. He was old and the years seemed to weigh heavily on him.

I bowed low. "Hail Éomer King! I have come to see Gauna, woman of Edoras and mother of Daelin who I am told is a man of your court."

Éomer looked at me sadly. "Welcome on your return to Edoras, Lady Raélowen, wife of Prince Legolas Thranduilion and friend of Éowyn my sister. I will send for Daelin to hasten you to Gauna's side, for she is dying."

Looking to the ground, I felt ears welling up in my eyes. "I know, my Lord."

Daelin then arrived in the Hall. He too had aged, now being of over sixty years. He rushed to my side. "Rae!"

I embraced him. "Long has it been since I last looked on you, Daelin. Seasoned you have become in our long years."

He smiled but his eyes were full of sorrow. "You look no different than I remember as a young child. You still carry the beauty and grace of Elf-kind. But now is not the time for reunions. I have come to bring you to my mother."

I nodded and, bowing to Éomer, Daelin led me from Meduseld. Together we walked in silence until we reached the house that Théoden King had granted to Gauna after the return from Helm's Deep.

Daelin entered first. "Mother?" he said softly. "Mother, Raélowen has come." I could not see her but Daelin motioned for me to come forward.

The dwelling was dark when I entered. Daelin led me to Gauna's side. He left me there as a courtesy, giving me a private moment with my friend.

She lay in bed, breathing shallowly. Her hair was white. Her skin was paper-thin. The frame of her body was fragile; it didn't look strong enough to hold her anymore. She opened her eyes and they were dimmed. "Rae?"

I knelt by her bedside and took her hand. "I'm here, Gauna."

She squinted, trying to see me. "You look exactly the same as I remember you," she remarked and smiled. "Just like Helm's Deep."

Tears gathered in my eyes. "So do you."

She grimaced as she tried to laugh. "I'm sure." She tried to look at me again. "Thank you for coming."

"Of course."

"Oh don't sound so sad," Gauna remarked. "I've lived for 85 years. It's been a good life." She looked at me curiously. "How old are you, Rae?"

Her question caught me off guard. "I…I don't remember." I thought for a minute. "I think…83, I guess."

"83," Gauna mused. "You look good for your age."

"Please don't say that," I asked quietly. We were both silent for a while. I did not know what to say. How do you say goodbye to someone forever?

"Rae?" Gauna asked softly.

"I'm here, what is it?"

She smiled. "I never thanked you for putting up with me through the entire night at Helm's Deep."

"Gauna, you don't have to – "
"I was scared," she continued softly. "And thank you for reassuring me that everything would be all right. And for helping with Daelin."

Tears fell freely onto the blanket. "You're welcome."

Gauna smiled again, her face glowing with peace. "How is your daughter?"

"She is grown. She wed Elboron, son of Faramir and Éowyn and the two now have children of their own."

"Call for Daelin," Gauna suddenly said. I did so. She relaxed again when he entered and joined me by her bedside. "Watching them grow is a mother's greatest joy."

"Yes," I agreed, but it was a lie. Watching my daughter grow older wrenched my heart every day. Daelin and I sat for hours through the night in the small dwelling. Gauna slept, her breathing growing weaker and weaker. Sometime in the early morning, she awoke again and smiled.

"Namaarie," she said.

I blinked, not wanting to have heard her. "What?"

"Isn't that the right word?" she asked. "Farewell?"

Daelin took her hand. "Mother?"

She turned her clouded eyes to him. "I love you, my son."

Her breath began to faintly rattle in her chest. "No!" I whispered tearfully.

But Gauna looked calm. "Do not wish me to stay. I am tired."

Daelin couldn't hide his grief as Gauna closed her eyes again. As her breathing slowed, I whispered softly, "Hiro le bâd lîn a nâ mae govannen."

I know she heard me, for she smiled. She took one last weak breath and then she was gone. As I leaned over to kiss her forehead, tears fell on her closed eyes. "Be at peace, mellon nîn," I said before breaking down in sorrow.

Círar (Nelin's foal's name) – To sail (Sindarin)

Noro lim – Ride fast (Sindarin)

Namaarie – Farewell (Quenya)

May you find your way and be welcome – Hiro le bâd lîn a nâ mae govannen (Sindarin)

Mellon nîn – My friend (Sindarin)