Epilogue, One-Shot

Gizzard joined Aragorn in the Valley of Imladris. It was here that he learned more about Aragorn and Arwen's troth. He also learned that Lord Elrond would not give the Ranger his blessing, until Sauron was defeated and Aragorn took the throne of Gondor. The black cat let out a sigh of relief, but only for so long. Did Aragorn really have to take down a Dark Lord? Only time would tell.

…

Years later, Gizzard accompanied Aragorn to see the Ranger's mother, Lady Gilraen. Unfortunately, the black cat didn't see much of Aragorn when he was accompanied by his mother. In a way, he was happy for the Ranger. But then Gizzard wasn't sure if he would ever see his mother again. Gilraen eventually passed away in the year 3007 TA, leaving Aragorn devastated.

In the wake of the news, Gizzard also learned from Gandalf that he and the Ranger would need to seek out the creature Gollum. But the task also required the black cat to seek out his eldest brother, Mortar. Gizzard knew then what needed to be done.

…

In the late spring, in the year 3008 TA, Clockwise returned with news of Gizzard's brother Mortar. From the scarlet macaw's findings, Mortar was hiding in the ruins of Arnor, which had been part of the Northern Kingdom, in the height of the Númenorean era. Despite his efforts to assist Aragorn and Gandalf in their search to find Gollum, Gizzard was told by Lord Elrond to stay for another year. The black cat followed without question.

When Gizzard was ready to leave Rivendell, he was caught by Gwen in Aragorn's room. Gizzard noticed the shards of Narsil were still occupying the room, sitting on top of a table. The black cat left them alone. Well, he wasn't planning on getting cut by a – possibly – still sharpened blade. But then, Gwen wasn't so keen on the sword either, even as she first spoke to him.

"I know what you're thinking and I know what you're about to do, but it is folly Ester. You won't find him."

"I'll find him. I know I will. Mortar is my brother," Gizzard replied, seriously.

"Brothers – why should that matter when Mortar is an enemy?" Gwen asked, curious.

Gizzard was stunned. "Why would you ask me that question, Gwen? Mortar is still my brother, enemy or no. I need to find him."

"You will get yourself killed if you do that," Gwen cried in concern.

"Then at least it'll be one less life for Elrond and Aragorn to worry about." Gizzard approached her. His tone changed to concern. "Gwen, Mortar is my brother and I need to find him before something happens to him."

"Then be careful. I don't know what would happen to you if I… if I lost you."

"I know." Gizzard said. "I will, Gwen. You have my word."

"Just promise me that no matter what happens, even if we're together or apart, we'll be friends," Gwen asked, calmly.

"We can be more than friends, Gwen, if you want," Gizzard admitted.

"Only if my parents give us their blessing," Gwen replied, now concerned.

"So where is your parents?" Gizzard asked, curious and confused.

"Find them and maybe you'll learn the answers you seek," Gwen said as more of a riddle.

"Right," Gizzard said, still confused. "I'll return one day to Rivendell. I promise."

"I know Ester," Gwen said, calmly. "Please be careful. I'll keep watch of you from time to time." These were the last words she said. She touched Gizzard's cheek with her own, before Gizzard left Rivendell. Now that he was gone, she was left alone, with only her thoughts to keep her company.

And that's what happened. As for Gizzard, his quest to find Mortar commenced without question. They would be reunited yet: Gizzard and his brother. If only Gizzard knew what awaited him when he was reunited with Mortar.

*.*.*

I would like to thank all my readers for reading this story and reviewing. I would especially like to thank ValueMyHeart for her reviews and encouragement during my time writing this story, but I would also like to thank her and SweetDarkSilence for giving me the idea, during one of their conversations, about cats that ended up as the black cat Mortar or Mr. Cuddle-Muffin for my first one-shot story, titled Wandering Encounters.

See you in the next story. :)

Aria Breuer