Epilogue
Legolas
stood quietly by the fountain as all the people around him celebrated
his return. There were simply too many people for him to feel
comfortable and so he had retreated to a quieter spot.
He had finally managed to slip away from his father; Thranduil
had not let him out of his sight since arriving in Gondor. He
loved his father deeply and was delighted to have him here,
but he had begun to feel like he had an extra shadow. Soon though,
he would seek him out again. The Elvenking had been through
much following his son’s death; Legolas had no wish to
worry his father.
He took
a long breath of air. It was still novel to breathe, to touch
and connect with the world again. All the things he had previously
taken for granted were special now, things to be cherished.
The scent of the trees was richer, the song of the birds sweeter
than before.
He still
found it hard to believe that it had taken Elbereth, Namo and
Ilúvatar themselves to save his soul. He remembered the
shock he’d had when he’d been pulled back, to find
himself standing before the three Valar. By rights, he should
have been lost forever.
However, the Valar had refused to take all the credit, praising
his strong soul. Legolas blushed at the memory, for no compliment
was higher than one given by the creator of all things. Yet
greater than the compliment was their gift, their reward to
him for all that he was willing to sacrifice. It filled him
with joy untold to walk Middle-Earth once more.
Looking
around, he smiled as he saw several familiar faces. Glorfindel
stood talking with Gimli; from the looks of it, they were discussing
the merits of dwarven ale versus those of elven wine. Legolas
was sure it would eventually come down to who had the worse
hangover in the morning.
A little
further away, two grey-clad elves were also locked in deep conversation.
Rúmil and Orophin had been delighted to learn of their
brother’s release to Valinor and Legolas suspected that
they would not grace Arda for much longer.
He paused
in his observations for a moment, thinking of Valinor. His sea
longing had returned with his body, but it no longer bothered
him as it once did. For now he was more than content to remain
here, when the time was right, he would sail. Still, he decided
to ask Rúmil and Orophin to take a letter to his mother.
Returning
his attention to those around him, he saw the twins sitting
with Arwen. They appeared to be teasing her, for she blushed
frequently. Though she would never see again, her life would
still be full and happy. He was glad Elrond and his sons had
been able to return for the celebrations.
His eyes
sparkled as he took in all these things and he released a deep
sigh of sheer contentment.
He turned slightly as he noticed a movement at his side. Aragorn,
seeing his friend standing alone, had left his father and was
walking over.
The prince greeted his friend with a smile and a nod of his
head as Aragorn stood beside him.
“They
are overjoyed to have you back.” He said softly. “As
am I.” He paused and looked at Legolas, struggling to
contain his emotion. “You are my dearest friend, I missed
you so much when you were gone.”
Legolas
wrapped his arm round Aragorn’s shoulders, shaking his
head.
“Oh, Estel, don’t you know?” He asked.
Aragorn started at him in confusion. “Know what?”
Legolas smiled. “I’ve always been by your side and
I always will be. Today, tomorrow – and ever after.”
THE END!!!
It’s
done! Yay! I hope you enjoyed it!
