Middle Earth – The Grey Havens

Gimli sat quietly on the bench, slowly puffing his long pipe. With his eyes closed, he listened to the soft waves wash against the shore. He had spent the earlier part of the day exploring the old town, enjoying the exquisite craftsmanship of the stone of the city, built into the stone of the cliff sides. However, his age had quickly caught up to him and he soon found himself retracing his steps back to the dock where Legolas worked on their ship.

Legolas found most of the materials he needed to construct a boat to sail to Valinor in many of the sheds along the docks. Long and wide wood planks were stacked almost to the ceiling, some pieces already shaped and curved for use. It made his job that much easier, he was no master craftsman. He had started by measuring out the size of the boat, and measuring for joint placements. Laying the pieces together after making holes along the edge, he meticulously wired them together, leaving enough space between to allow some movement before continuing to do the same for the sides. As he connected the ends, the shape of the boat began to finally take form. He swiped sweat from his brow as the hot sun beat down on his bare back. Taking a quick break, he walked to where Gimli sat and took a long swig from his canteen.

"Coming along nicely there laddie," He spoke, creaking his eyes open.

"Luck permitting, I should be completed by nightfall."

"It was luck that the elves here left all their supplies," Gimli chuckled, earning a glare from Legolas.

"I would have built the boat either way."

"Yes, but now at least I have hope of seeing Valinor." The dwarf teased, causing Legolas to mumble curses under his breath as he strode back to the boat.

Starting back to work he place a round stick of wood along the top inner half of the craft, before moving on to start on the transition joints, working to make it even with no twists or crooks. The caulking was the worst part. Legolas worked tirelessly from one end to the other applying the caulking to the joints, struggling to pound and compress the material into the spaces. It was dusk when he finally began to apply the hot pitch to the bottom and lower sides, making sure the vessel would stay water tight for their voyage. He planned to take a pail just in case any water decided to seep through. Once dried, he planned to let the boat sit along the dock for a day, making sure it took on no water. A set of oars he also laid out if they had no wind to fill the sails. What they needed to do now was pray to the Valar for fair weather and entrance to the fair land.

Looking upon the night sky, the stars twinkled down at him, a cool breeze playing across his face. He closed his eyes, praying to the Valar, though he was not sure what words to say. In his heart, he knew his deepest wish, but he would not voice it. Instead, he spoke a little know prayer for sailors, and went to rouse Gimli, who snored loudly upon the bench.

…

Valinor – F.A. 120

Legolas looked back on his arrival to Valinor with mixed feelings. As soon as his feet hit the shores, he felt a comforting peace settle over his soul, he no longer felt the weight of his grief and despair pulling him into blackness, but neither did he feel the lightness he once knew returning. He felt stagnant, not able to heal but neither was he able to fade.

It had been joyous to see his comrades from Mirkwood there to greet him and their shocked faces at the arrival of a dwarf, that had sparked quite a few comments. However, those whom had dwelt with him in Ithilien greeted Gimli rather fondly, most had become accustomed to seeing the dwarf through the years visiting with their Prince. Their acceptance helped to warm the welcome of the others, though they limited their interactions. Gimli did not seem to mind, for his attention was instantly drawn to Galadriel, still very much infatuated with the Lady of the Golden Wood. Her warm welcome to the dwarf seemed to shock the others more than his arrival. Legolas caught himself actually about to snicker, before he sobered.

The reunion with his father was strained. He was pleased to see him, but he also felt an overwhelming sense of suffocation and betrayal. He had not forgotten the deeds that had caused him to push Evelyn away, his father's words and ideas having grown his deepest fears. He had come close to stumbling at the thought of Evelyn, the pang in his heart ripping through him. In the end his fears had still come to pass as he had let them dictate his heart. Legolas knew she was not here. As soon as he stepped onto land his eyes instantly sought her among the party gathered. Was she even here? Was she in the halls of Mandos? He had no way of knowing and there were few here he could ask. Legolas was unsure if he could even speak the words. There were also too many here that could hear should he gain the courage to ask.

Such turmoil in his heart finally drove him to leave his father's halls, where he had kept himself mostly locked in his chambers the past months of his return. He pushed his steed faster as he left the woods or Oromë and came to the open plains, galloping towards the mansions of Aulë, his mountains looming in the distance to his left. His heart could not take the uncertainty any longer, the pain was becoming unbearable. The hall of Nienna, were said to those of healing, she was his last hope.

His leather boots padded softly on the stone floor. Legolas gazed in wonder at the stone columns that traveled farther than his eyes could see to an unknown ceiling. Arches of fine white stone and mithril connected each pillar twenty feet above his head, ivy and wild flowering vines hung from them. He swore he could almost see stars twinkling back at him from the heavens as he continued to stare into the abyss where the buttresses disappeared.

"Late is the hour in which you arrive to my halls, Legolas, son of Thranduil, Prince of Mirkwood." Nienna spoke gliding across the floor to where he stood, jolting him from his revere. Her voice was soft and husky, laced with the tone of anguish and mourning. She worse a flowing grey dress and matching hood about her head. Her pale skin glowing in the candle light, her grey eyes intent on his own. "Follow me." She beckoned, and he obeyed.

He was lead to a gazebo where four marbled columns rose in the air to support a domed ceiling filled with glass, allowing the moonlight to trickle through, casting vibrant shadows from the ivy clinging to the arches and railings. Turning, he saw each entrance to the structure held a pedestal of fire burning low, creating a soothing light in the dark.

"This was her favorite spot to think." Nienna spoke at last, causing Legolas' breath to hitch.

"Then you know why I have come?"

She turned her sorrowful gaze to the young elf prince and nodded, "I know why you traveled to my halls, though alas, you will not find the healing you seek, just as she did not."

"What do you mean?" He questioned, his heart racing, as fear crept back into his mind. If he could not find healing here, what was to become of him?

"Evelyn stayed here for a time, on more than occasion. She found solace and gained much knowledge, but she did not find healing for her heart. Neither shall you. I will not turn you away, son of Thranduil, but the answers you seek, will not find you here."

"How can you say that?" He exploded, "These are your halls! These are the halls of healing! I have come here for healing, and you offer me nothing but riddles and rip away any hope I may have had!" Nienna did not budge from his outburst, nor did she speak as she watched the elf before her battle his inner demons. Slowly he sank to his knees and she kneeled before him.

"Does she even live?" He whispered, as Nienna gently cupped his cheek, her eyes filled with tears to soon be shed.

"She lives young Prince, for what comfort that may bring you."

Legolas was not sure it comforted much. Was she in the halls of Mandos? Has she already been reborn, and if so where did she live and with whom. Did she know of his arrival to Valinor? Perhaps she knew he was here, but had no desire to speak with him.

"Take what time you need, many thoughts plague your mind, as they did hers. The answers you seek are just above you, but you must find them in yourself. I cannot heal your heart." She brushed his cheek gently with her thumb as she stood and walked away.

If Evelyn chose to stay away from him, he could not blame her, it was his doing. He had let his father feed his fears with his own. He had let him dictate his life to quench his own fears. Anger flared in his chest at his father, at himself, and at Corwen for the lies she feed him in their past, casting shadows on his heart were elleth were concerned. Mostly, he was angry with himself, knowing he had tried to mend their friendship and kindle whatever affection they may have had for each other wrongly. Evelyn had been right about him, he was arrogant and self-righteous, he did not deserve her affections. He did not blame her for moving on with her life here in Valinor. Somehow, he would find a way to move on.

Nienna shook her head sadly as she watched the ellon leave her halls, silent tears rolling down her cheeks.

…

Valinor F.A. 133

Evelyn walked through the market streets of Tirion, her mare walking lazily behind. Even after all these years, she still hated coming into the cities. People still stared, though few had the nerve to speak to her, she could hear their whispers, not all of them friendly. Her time in captivity with the Easterlings was not something she liked to remember, however, such dark stories seemed to catch like wildfire, even among elves.

She had too many horses on her mountain and not enough cleared pastures, she had to sell those that she had trained and were ready for new owners. She had been surprised when, of all people, Finwë, High King of the Noldor had come to purchase them. Evelyn had argued as best she could against selling them, he could have them free of charge, but he would not hear of it. At least she knew they were going to a good home. His condition was that she must make visit to train him to ride them as she does. Haldir and other of the Golden Wood apparently still talked about her riding and had intrigued the ellon. How could she say no to the High King? Part of her was certain that the twins and Celebrían has some play in his actions.

The whisper today still reached her ears, but she realized they did not circulate around her, it piked her interest. She pulled her dun mare to the side, acting as if she was inspecting her feet.

"They say he never leaves his chambers." One elleth spoke animatedly to the others.

"I heard he is fading! Can you believe that, an elf fading in the Undying Lands?"

"It is unheard of!" the third spoke, shaking her head.

"The King is beside himself so it was said. A guard was in the city just last week mentioning such. Said that everyone is cowering from his anger and wrath." The first spoke again.

"Can you blame them? His temper was already spoken of in awe."

"I think we need to plan a trip to Thranduil's halls and see if one of us can mend the Prince's heart." The second spoke, tossing her golden hair over her shoulder, as their laughter chorused around her.

There words froze her, stopping her heart. She was caught so off guard that she almost froze the horse's foot. Her mind whirled, could what they say be true? Was Legolas fading? It had only happened one other time in Valinor's history, but history is known to repeat its self. She needed answers, and she knew just where to find them as she disappeared in a cloud of snow, starling the mare and the elves around her.

Galadriel opened the door almost as soon as she began beating on it, she looked as calm and poised as ever, Celebrían however, seemed quite startled at her arrival and state of disarray.

"I need to use your mirror." She panted, barely able to get the words out.

The lady beckoned her forewords, her daughter quick on their heels. She led them out onto a beautiful balcony, overlooking luscious forest and rolling hills. There in the middle of the stone courtyard lined with flowering shrubs sat the mirror and the silver pitcher glistening with water. Galadriel pour forth the water backing away as Evelyn walked to stand at its edge, her sides heaving.

"Are you sure about this my child?" She asked.

Evelyn took a deep breath and strengthened her resolve. She turned and looked to Galadriel, her eyes determined, "I know what it is I wish to see." Turning around she gripped the edge of the pedestal and gazed into the water, starring transfixed as she watched the image ripple into view before her eyes.

She saw him sitting in an old armchair, next to an ornate fireplace. The fire burned low, the coals shimmering beneath. Slumped over, his head rested on his palm, his gazed fixed steadily on the fire. She sucked in a breath as his eyes came into focus. The steely blue orbs she remembered so clearly were gone, now they were glazed and dull, holding none of the vivacious life they once did. His face was gaunt and dark circles stuck out starkly on his pale cheeks. Forcefully she pulled herself from the mirror and stood there a few moments to collect herself before she spoke.

"Can elves truly fade in Valinor?"

"Yes, it is rare, and most come here for healing. But if they do not find it, they will travel to the Halls of Mandos to find the healing our shores could not bring them."

"I need your assistance."

"For what? Celebrían asked, struggling to put together what her mother seemed to have already known.

"I need to confront a King." She replied with a feral smile.

The rich navy-blue gown clung to her body. The front neckline lay close to her neck, where it joined over either shoulder with a small jeweled clasp, leaving her arms bare. The back plunged in a deep scoop, revealing much of her upper and middle back. For extra effect, they draped golden necklaces of varying lengths to glisten against her back, contrasting against her pale skin and dark dress. The bodice hugged through her hips, where the satin material ended in a line a navy jewels and the bottom flared slightly made of a soft chiffon that sashayed as she walked. The bodice was laced with black jewels in intricate designs that sparkled as the lights hit. Lastly, she took a deep breath and placed the circlet on her head. If fit snuggly on her head the crystal blue gem, glowing in the candle light, the bands intertwining to join at the back. White crystal stones adorned the sides in small snowflake patterns. Strands of mithril dangled in from the circlet to hang in her hair, making it shimmer, some formed loops, the ends going back to attach to the circlet. Turning back to the mirror she gently swirled her hand in the air, small ice crystals landing on her bare skin causing it to glow and shimmer as if she was covered in mithril.

"Thank you," she told her two friends who praised her and wished her luck, giving her warm encouraging smiles, as she disappeared in a flurry of snow.

Evelyn did her best to control her nerves, though her shaking hands gave her away. Closing her eyes, she worked to gulp down her fears, she had to do this. Sooner or later Legolas and she were bound to run into each other. One day they would have had to confront each other, however, sooner was going to have to work. She would be damned if she was going to let Legolas fade. Plus, she may have fun putting Thranduil in his place. Evelyn opened her eyes, and stepped onto the lane, walking to the grand doors of Thranduil's kingdom built into the Pélori Mountains in Oromë's woods. If the doors were any indication to his halls, she knew they would be magnificent. The doors seemed to be made of thick vines woven together, wild flowers blooming at random throughout. The guards stationed outside quickly halted her.

"Stop! State your purpose here." They placed their hands on their weapons.

"I am Evelyn Kenward, I seek council with Prince Legolas." Her voice coming out much stronger than she felt.

"I am sorry, we cannot allow you to pass. Neither the King nor Prince are receiving visitors."

"I do hate it has to be this way, I apologize for my actions, I do hope you will forgive me." She gave them a sweet smile and vanished before their eyes, entering their kingdom right under their noses. She heard the alarm go up instantly. Soldiers yelling there was a breach in the castle, calling men to arms. Zipping through corridors she worked to find her way to the great hall, it was not hard to find as many guards were already running there, that is where Thranduil would go first.

The hall was breathtaking, she wished she had more time to take in it, but Thranduil strode into the room, decked in his armor, hand on his sword as he barked orders. Evelyn smiled and revealed herself before him as he uttered curses under his breath, jumping back a few steps.

"Thranduil," She stated flatly as more people filled into the hall, soldiers ready to draw their weapons.

"I believe you left out part of the name. I do have a title. It seems you have yet to learn respect."

"I could say the same for you," Evelyn replied, walking slowly around him, looking at the structure above her. It truly was amazing. "Last I looked, Maiar outranked elves, even kings."

Thranduil growled, as she came back to face him. "You have quite a palace." She whistled, it felt good coming back to be more of her old self, her confidence slowly returning.

"Why are you here?"

"To see Legolas." She replied, indicating the answer was obvious.

"That is not possible."

"Oh, I beg to differ…your majesty…I am being polite; however, I can just as easily find his location as I evaded your guards and gained access to your city." She stated flippantly.

If Thranduil had been an animal, she was sure he would be baring his teeth in a fierce snarl, "I forbid it."

"As you forbid him against me in Gondor when you played on his fears. How did that work for you then, Thranduil, keeping him with you? I recall he built an Elvish colony in Ithilien after. Am I still not good enough now that I am immortal, now that I am a Kelvarwë?"

"You will not take my son from me." He hissed, their conversation too low for the gathered crowed to hear, though they all could tell the strange woman was enraging their king and gaining the upper hand.

Evelyn sighed, looking back up to the rafters above. Huge arches of vines wound hundreds of feet in the air, huge hanging lanterns descended from them, lighting the caverns. Staircases, climbed in all directions from the central hall. Elves, stopped what they were doing to stare and littered the balconies. "I have never had that desire Thranduil, I wish to keep him from fading."

"You know not of what you speak." He spat, though she caught the glimmer of fear in his eyes.

"I looked in Galadriel's mirror." Evelyn watched his eye widen momentarily, "I know what it is I saw, let me go to him."

"NO…"

"Evelyn?"

All noise in the room ceased, Evelyn froze, her heart thudding wildly in her chest. She did not look at the King's face, instead she closed her eyes, reveling in the sound of his voice. Slowly she turned around, tears filling her eyes, bracing herself for the image before her.

"Hello, Legolas." It was as if her heart was torn from her chest, seeing him before her. Her soul was filled with a sense of joy and completeness being near him once more, but more so she was hit with a searing pain of guilt, knowing she was the cause of his agony and grief. It was hard to breathe. He stood opposite her in the hall, his clothing disheveled and hair in disarray. His eyes were hollow, ringed in dark purple circles, there was so little life left in them. Evelyn felt the tears begin to fall.

"What are you doing here?" It was not asked as an accusation, more a statement of disbelief, his brow furrowed in confusion. Slowly Evelyn walked towards him, shooting Thranduil with a tiny spark of icy as he made to grab her wrist, trying desperately to keep her from his son. He snapped his hand back to his chest with a sharp cry of indignation.

"I came to see you," She stated, mentally cursing herself for being unable to come up with a better answer, but her mind seemed to be frozen.

He stepped forward hesitantly, studying her, as he reached forward, tentatively brushing her cheek with his fingers. Evelyn sucked in a gasp of air at his cool touch, her eyes closing involuntarily, revealing in the joy of the contact. "Is this real?" He asked, eyes flitting across her body and those gathered around them, "Am I dreaming."

Tears rolled silently down her cheeks, some freezing, glistening in the candlelight. Guilt ate away at her, this was her doing. "Yes, it's real, you're quite awake."

"I do not understand?" He stated, dropping his hand from her cheek, his eyes narrowing.

Evelyn gulped, looking down at her feet, trying to collect herself. Bringing her gaze back to his she felt the anguish and torment in them, but also the anger bubbling underneath. "Is there somewhere we can discuss this in private?" She asked, her heart plummeting as she saw the steel glint flash in his eyes, she saw Thranduil's eyes.

"Here will do." Legolas stated flatly. His voice and masked face struggling to hide the turmoil inside. His heart had leapt to his throat seeing her in his father's halls, he felt the shadow working to lift from his soul, he felt life stirring in him again. But his father's words and lectures echoed freshly in his mind no matter how hard he tried to push them away, knowing them to be false. She had rejected him, pushed him away.

Evelyn nodded in defeat, hoping she had not waiting too long. She waved her hand, letting the façade fall. The ice crystals that adorned her skin fell away. Circles that matched his own lingered strikingly against her pale skin, dull eyes starred back at his own. Those gathered sucked in a harsh gasp. Her bright silky hair becoming limp and lackluster. "Magic does a lot, does it not?" She asked as Legolas jerked back in surprise at the transformation, Evelyn gave a bark of laughter.

"I had known for a while what I needed to do, how to defeat Narwë. Magic is both a great and terrible beauty, and it comes at a price. My life was that price. The day in the forest, I pushed you away for that reason. I did not truly know your feelings towards me, I still don't, however, I could not let you close for fear of what my death would do to you. More selfishly, I wanted to be able to stop loving you, knowing I could not have you. I had dreamed of that day on the cliff for years, it was the hardest decision I had ever made."

Legolas opened his mouth, but halted. His mind took him back to that day he followed her from the city. He remembered her face and her heart held bare for him to see, seeing it mirrored in front of again now. She had told him once he needed to follow his heart, something he had never allowed himself to do as Prince. Part of him wanted to remain angry at her for leaving him, for lying, for hurting him as she had, but he found he could not. "You thought to save me from pain."

She nodded, "I failed."

Light flickered in his blue eyes as he stepped forward, "No, you came back." His lips crushed against her own as he pulled her tight against his body. Evelyn froze in shock against him until her mind could catch up. Her body relaxed as she melted against him, arms circling around his neck. Deepening the kiss, she felt Legolas moan softly. Tentatively, she tasted him—vanilla and pine. She could feel his heart thumping against her, hers matching its beat. Reluctantly, he pulled back, leaving both of them panting as he rested his forehead on the top of her head. A sigh escaped his lips.

"I am sorry," he whispered just for her to hear.

"So am I."

He leaned back, brushing the tears gently away, "I love you."

Evelyn sucked in a breath, hearing those words. She froze, trying to process those words, words she had dreamed of hearing for more years than she could count. Her mouth opened and closed, trying to form a coherent word that her mind could not piece together. A soft glow emanated from her, reaching to encompass Legolas. The dull hollowness left their eyes as their skin regained its youthful glow, light returned to their eyes, pushing away the void that what there. "Wh…what?" she stammered.

"I love you, Evelyn, and I have for many long years." He repeated, concern growing in his eyes, as he feared she no longer loved him in return.

She smiled, "I just wanted to hear you say it again. I love you too Legolas."