Story Downloaded from Open Scrolls Archive (https://www.openscrolls.net)

Title: And the Sky Full of Stars (#87)
Author: JMac
Chapters: 21

Archive: Tolkien
Category: Femme Fatale
Description: After the Ring War, Legolas and Gimli stumble across the fate of the Entwives while on a mission for Aragorn. Legolas/OFC romance
Published: 17 Jun 2003
Updated: 17 Jun 2003
Warnings:
Type: Action/adventure
Characters: Gimli; Legolas; OFC


Chapter 1 - Chapter 1

Chapter 1

In the red book of The Shire, Bilbo Baggins wondered if adventures ever had an end. His answer was no. Someone always picked up the story and carried it further. And though ages come and go, all the stories continued. The third age was over.

The ring was destroyed. The elves were leaving Middle Earth. Almost daily, ships sailed from the Havens. Elrond and Galadriel were already among those that had sailed to the Blessed Realm. With them went the ring-bearers Bilbo and Frodo along with Gandalf.

Aragorn had married Arwen and taken his place as king. With Aragorn's leadership peace spread among the kingdoms of middle-earth. Cities grew, ties centuries broken were rebuilt. Sauron had been defeated. But evil remained. Despite, soldiers patrolling the roads, traveling was more dangerous than the years Sauron was in power.

Legolas and Gimli were two hard days ride from Gondor. They had been traveling together for nearly 3 years, exploring Middle-Earth as they had promised each other. They had explored the Glittering Caves that Gimli loved and had climbed the highest trees of Fangorn Forest and had many adventures that are too numerous to tell. But all journeys eventually end and they were headed back to Gondor to pledge their allegiance to Aragorn and to serve him in whatever way they could. The road was easy and the day was nice. And both were consumed with thoughts of the future.

Gimli was planning on organizing dwarves to come and help repair the city and to recreate the stone works that had once stood in Gondor's streets. As the sun sunk low on the horizon, Gimli noticed that Legolas was quieter than usual. In fact, he hadn't said a word the entire afternoon.

"You are thinking of the sea," Gimli said, glancing over at Legolas on his white horse.

Legolas looked at Gimli as if seeing him for the first time all day and merely nodded.

"It is not something easily explained to dwarves," Legolas said.

"I am not most dwarves. I have been around you long enough to learn a thing or two elvish," Gimli said. "You have said nothing all day. What troubles you so?"

"Olori. Dreams," Legolas said. "Dreams to elves are not like dwarvish dreams. They are as clear and as real as if I was there."

"So you have been staring at the ocean all afternoon while I have ridden alone in this forest?" Gimli said.

"I can smell the salt water, hear the roar of the waves. See the never ending expanse of blue." Legolas voice trailed off as if he were going back there again in his mind. He shook himself out of it. "I am consumed by a desire to see what lay beyond the waters."

"You will leave soon then?" Gimli asked.

Legolas shook his head. "I do not know. But the day will come when I shall not be able to ignore it," he said.

"You will be reunited with your people," Gimli said, sadly. "I wonder if the Lady Galadriel is still as beautiful as I remember."

Gimli reached for the amulet on his neck that contained the locks of her hair.

Legolas smiled. "Perhaps we shall both find out one day."

****************************

A few days later they arrived in Gondor and went to meet with the King.

Legolas and Gimli greeted Aragorn with all the respect a king deserves. Aragorn smiled, amused. Formalities aside he lead them into his private study, much to the dismay of his guards.

He shut the door to his study behind him.

"You both have been busy," Aragorn said, a twinkle in his eyes.

"Busy?" Gimli asked.

"Seems where ever you two travel, legends spring up from the ground behind you. Are you both trying to become myth or is that just a convenient bonus of your friendship?" Aragorn said, smiling.

Gimli and Legolas looked bewildered.

"Songs are already being sung of you near Lake Town," he said. "A local boarding house crumbled to ruins by magic of elves and dwarves."

Gilmi and Legolas exchanged glances, as if it were a sore spot in their friendship. They both began talking at once.

"A misunderstanding," Gimli said.

"Regrettable," Legolas said.

Aragorn laughed loud.

"It is good to see you my friends. It has been far too long," he said.

Food and drink were brought in and they sat together and dined. Exchanging stories. Until the untidy business of running a country was discussed. Restoring peace. Aragorn told them of the problem with orcs. The remaining bands of orcs served no one but themselves. Having no master to follow, they ran wild across middle-earth. Small villages and outlying homes were frequently attacked and raided. And although Aragorn had soldiers patrolling the roads, travelers were often ambushed.

"What have you two come across?" Aragorn said.

"They are moving. Raiding villages," Legolas said. "There are scattered bands throughout the mountains and they roam farther than before Sauron."

Aragorn nodded. "I thought so. That is why I called you here. I need you to track them back to their bases. Get some idea of their number and strength. Report back to me with their locations and we will try to destroy the last remaining strongholds. I want the roads to be safe again."

Legolas and Gimli bowed. "We will leave at first light," Legolas said.

"We won't let you down," Gimli said.

Aragorn smiled. "There are no two better for hunting orcs."


Chapter 2 - Chapter 2

The next day they started out towards the mountains. The road was easy for a time. Days passed and the mountains slowly grew in size before them. Caradhras. Moria. Lands they hadn't traveled since the years of the fellowship. To be so close to them again brought up memories from long ago.

"We will not pass through Moria," Legolas said.

"Indeed," Gimli said. "One trip through those mines was enough for me."

"I never thought the day would come when you would pass up a chance to explore the nearest cave," Legolas said.

"The cave does not worry me. What may be inside does," Gimli said.

"Gandalf said it had been destroyed," Legolas said.

"Yes, and if Gandalf were here now, he alone would be the only person to convince me to pass through those gates again. Though the thought of climbing Caradhras isn't much better a choice," Gimli said.

Legolas got off his horse.

"Then let us stay here tonight," Legolas said. "The smell of the orc is getting stronger, we will pick up the trail tomorrow or the next day. Perhaps they will lead us to neither Caradhras or to Moria."

"If so, remind me to thank the orc as I slay them, for so easy a trip," Gimli said.

Legolas laughed.

The next day, Legolas had no trouble picking up the trail of the orcs. And to Gimli's delight they headed neither towards Moria nor to Caradhras. But followed along the eastern rim of the mountains. Only one hard day's journey was required of them. They followed the trail over the rim into the fertile valley between the mountains.

After that, the trail grew easier to follow. Trampled ground made an obvious path through the grasses. And the air was cool and clean. But the land, which was once inhabited by farmers lay abandoned.

Once thriving farms along the valleys of the mountain lay deserted. Its owners moving into the nearest villages many leagues away. Some farms lay in ruins, victims of orc attacks. Others were intact, but boarded up and left for better days.

"Aragorn will not be happy when he hears of this," Legolas said, as they checked each abandoned home. Occasionally finding dead bodies they had to stop and bury them.

"He will not. And if I find these orcs I shall not need to wait for an army, I will take them all on myself," Gimli said.

A day passed, a week, they followed the trail of destruction towards the end of the valley.

On the northern end of the valley lay a small forest. Not near in size to Fangorn, or Mirkwood. This was only a mile wide. Protected on three sides by the rising mountains, which narrowed as it came near the small forest. It was a perfect stronghold. Legolas and Gimli scouted out the lands.

Legolas looked long into the distance. "The gates I see guarding the forest are those made by men, not orc. The trail of the orcs leads off to the west up the mountains away from the forest."

"Men from the abandoned farms, no doubt," Gimli said. "Let us go and have a real meal before we chase our orc."

Legolas nodded, but said nothing. As they approached the gates, Gimli talked nonstop.

"What do you see with those elvish eyes of yours? Can you see any houses? With fires burning in the chimneys, and the smokes of a fine feast pouring out of them?" Gimli asked.

"Thinking with your stomach again?" Legolas remarked. A half mile from the gates he dismounted the horse and said, "Stay here. I will investigate. The land. It is too still."

Legolas walked slowly towards the gates. His light- footsteps made little impression along the narrow trail that lead towards the forest. Every step he took was slow and deliberate, all of his senses were on alert. Along the edge of the trail were stones. Placed by men, a footfall apart. Legolas stopped for a moment, considering the situation. But hearing nothing, he took another step. It was nearly his last.

Legolas cried out as pain ripped through his ankle.

Gimli drew his axe and began to rush forward. Legolas cried, "No, do not. It is laid with traps!! Use the stones!!"

Gimli quickly made his way up the stone path, hopping from one stone to another, until he came to Legolas. His foot was caught in a hunting trap.

"No wonder the orcs avoid this place," Gimli said.

Gimli leaned over and using his axe, pried the teeth of the trap apart. And slowly Legolas pulled his foot from the steel trap.

"We must get you to the village," Gimli said. As he helped Legolas to his feet a loud horn sounded. They looked toward the gates and a party of 10 was approaching.

Some with bows and arrows others with swords approached warily. The first thing Gimli noticed was their age. These weren't hard war-toughened men. They were young boys barely into their teens.

"We come on a quest for King Aragorn. Following the orcs to their base. We would appreciate some assistance," Gimli said in his most formal voice.

The boys said nothing. They were expecting orc, not an injured elf and a dwarf. None of them made a move to do anything.

"I am Gimli son of Gloin, and this is Legolas Greenleaf, son of Thranduil King of Mirkwood Forest. We request refuge in your village and an audience with you mayor," Gimli said.

Still the boys did not move. They whispered amongst themselves and one rushed back to the gates. A few minutes later he returned, with a girl.

She was somewhat older than the boys, perhaps mid-twenties and seemed to be in charge.

She looked at Gimli and Legolas and back at the boys and said, "Don't just stand there, help them."

The boys lifted Legolas from the ground and swiftly carried him back towards the gates. She turned to Gimli, "Please follow me along this path."

He nodded and followed her along the stone trail up the gates and into the village.


Chapter 3 - Chapter 3

"Take him to my house," she yelled as they entered the gates. The boys carried him through the small but dense forest, past many tiny thatched roof houses. Women, children, and the old lined the dirt path staring wide-eyed at the elf and dwarf as they passed by.

The boys carried Legolas into a small house. It was near the furthest wall of the forest valley where the mountain rose steeply behind them. Gimli followed her into the house. She lit a lantern. "I am Elesia, I guess you'd call me the mayor," she said with a slight laugh.

Legolas said from the couch on which he lay, "I am Legolas Greenleaf."

Gimli said, "I am Gimli son of Gloin." He bowed. "You are safe here. As safe as anyone can be with orcs around," she said. "I am sorry for your accident. But it will be healed. Old Rose is a great healer."

No sooner had she finished the sentence than Old Rose barged into the room.

"What is this nonsense the boys are talking about? An elf and a dwarf. I think everyone has lost their minds. I haven't seen a dwarf in 40 years and an elf in.." the old woman stopped, seeing Gimli standing proudly by the fire. She saw Legolas and gasped. The room fell into silence.

"Rose. He's been injured," she said.

Taking action seemed to jar her out of her trance and Old Rose took control of the situation.

"One of those damn traps no doubt." She marched over and took a look at the ankle. Her irritating voice being the opposite of her gentle hands as she inspected Legolas's wound.

"It will have to be cleaned and stitched," she said. "I need hot water."

She barked out the orders to Gimli who bowed low and went to get water.

"Elesia, unlace his shoe while I round up my supplies," she said and left the room before Elesia could answer.

Elesia pulled up a stool and sat down beside the couch. She took his foot and placed it in her lap and began unlacing his tall elvish boot.

"What place is this?" Legolas asked.

"Entville," she said, as she unlaced his boots.

"Are there no men among you?" he asked.

"They left 10 years ago when Sauron was in power to defend our homes. They never returned," she said. "But we are not helpless. We have defended ourselves for many years. Many of our women are as good at fighting as men."

"There is no love more fierce than a mother defending her children," Legolas said. He winced as she pulled his long boot off, careful not to touch his foot.

"Very true," she said.

Before Legolas could ask further questions, giggling could be heard coming from the window. A group of children, about 10 years old stood peering in the windows.

Elesia smiled, "We have never had an elf in our midst before or a dwarf for that matter."

Gimli opened the door carrying a bucket of water, being followed by a group of giggling kids.

"Grrr. Pesky little tykes aren't they? If I was their father I'd show them some manners," Gimli said, as he shut the door behind him.

Legolas gave him a pointed look and Gimli realized he had said the wrong thing. He said, "I shall boil the water."

Old Rose came in shoeing the kids away from the windows. "Did you get the water Littleman?" she asked Gimli.

Gimli bristled at the name but said nothing, he simply nodded and carried the hot water over to her. Old Rose began to clean the wound.

"What brings you two on such a journey? I haven't seen your kind in years. And I thought elves and dwarves didn't get along," Old Rose asked.

"We are hunting orcs for King Aragorn," Legolas said.

"Orcs?" Old Rose said, "I have seen more than my share of orcs in this lifetime. I should like the King to get rid of these pests. Running all of us off to this place they did."

Old Rose rambled on continuously about orcs as she cleaned and dressed Legolas's wound.

"We have had orcs in these parts for over 20 years. About the time Elesia was just big enough to wander. Horrible, nasty beasts. Orcs. They are our curse. Tell this King of yours that I welcome the change. I should love to get out of here and to see the city again. It has been far too long." She finished tending his foot and began packing her bags.

"All done. You'll live. Elves don't kill so easily. You'll have to stay off the ankle for at least a week. Take care of him Elesia, I've gotta go see to Little Barillin, he's got a bad cough." And with that Rose grabbed her bags and left the little house.

Elesia turned to Legolas and Gimli as if she wasn't quite sure what to do with the both of them.

"I will bring you both food. And if you would like, Gimli, I will give you a tour of Entville," she said.

"I would be honored," he said.

After getting Legolas comfortable and Gimli's stomach filled to his contentment, she walked through the village with Gimli.

They wandered through the trees. The houses were built with stones quarried from the nearby mountain, not of the trees. According to Elesia none of their people had ever cut down one tree in Entville. The trees were so dense in places that the houses were built around them. Some had trees poking through their center and used part of them as a support or their branches as part of the ceiling.

"Why it's almost elvish," he said. "At least, as close to elvish work with trees as I have ever seen men make."

"Thank you. It is an honor you think so. I have never seen anything elvish in my life until this day," she said.

"Why is this place called Entville?" he asked.

They sat down at the base of a tree. The thick trunks grew wide enough at the bottom to sit upon. As if the trees grew a bench for their using. Gimli was surprised at its comfort as he settled into its curvature.

"It was a children's story about this forest. Long ago these trees were alive. And wandered the earth as Ents."

"True Ents are much taller," Gimli commented.

"According to legend, these were the children of the Ents. One night when the stars were bright, the Ent children wished to go to the top of the mountain, out of the range of their parents branches so they could see the stars. Their parents forbade them, but that night they snuck away. Once the sun rose and the stars had vanished, they lost their way. Nothing looked familiar. A great storm rose and obscured the clouds for many days. So they could not use the stars as guides. And the Ent children wandered farther and farther away, until the day came when the clouds parted and they saw the sky full of stars. And did not remember the way back," she said.

Gimli's eyes grew wide with astonishment. "Entwives. These could be the entwives."

The wind blew through the trees and the crackling of the branches seemed to him a reply. "I shall tell them where you are," Gimli whispered and patted the bark gently.

Elesia smiled at Gimli, "I thought most dwarves were all caves and rocks."

"I am not most dwarves," he said proudly.

She smiled and then her face turned serious. "You said you came here because of orcs?" she asked.

He nodded seriously.

"It seems we would have much to discuss," she said.

"Yes. We do."

She heard footsteps running and the same group of children that had been peeking in the window at Legolas came dashing up the path.

"I think though, that it will have to wait until later," she said.

Gimli grimaced as the children surrounded him. Asking him many questions.

"You have until, sundown. And then, Master Gimli needs to rest. He has come on a long journey," she said.

The children agreed and she left them together at the base of the tree.


Chapter 4 - Chapter 4

The day passed and night fell and the village slept. A new day dawned. Legolas was stretched out on the couch. His wrapped ankle was propped upon the armrest to elevate it. Legolas tentatively moved his ankle. Pain shot up his leg. He would have to follow Old Rose's orders whether he wanted to or not. He sighed. The sun was just coming in through the kitchen window. He longed to be in the sunlight. Even a day spent inside was stifling to him. Claustrophobic. Stuffy. Not to mention noisy. Gimli lay on the floor beside the couch, snoring loud enough to wake orc several leagues away.

Legolas lay very still, deciding what should be done about the orc and which would be the best way to go up the mountains into their stronghold. Mentally he was half way up the mountains when he heard soft footsteps.

Elesia was awake, quietly coming into the kitchen, careful not to wake her guests. She was dressed in the common dress of the village women. A simple dress, her long hair pulled back off her face. The only thing that separated her from them was the green stone she wore on a leather cord around her neck. Something about the green stone caught Legolas' attention but he did not know what it was.

Though Legolas had known Aragorn for many years, he knew but a handful of other men. And he'd certainly never had the opportunity to know a girl. He had heard the valiant tales of Eowyn, but had thought that women such as her, were the exception and not the rule. The only female Legolas knew were elves. Although Elesia lacked the graceful movement of the elves, her movement was appealing nonetheless. Legolas watched her as she drifted around the kitchen, she started the fire, put water on to boil, and set the table.

Legolas hid a grin as he watched her stand on tiptoes to reach the sack of coffee grounds on the top of the pantry. She pulled it to the edge and let it fall, catching it in her hands before it hit the ground. Though he knew she was no child, her small size reminded him of an elven child, before they came of age.

She worked quickly and quietly. She grabbed a small axe near the back door and walked out. Through the window he could see her splitting firewood. After a few minutes she came in and stacked an armload of firewood next to the fireplace. No helpless hand-maiden was she. By the time she had gotten the wood stacked, the water was boiling and the smell of coffee spread through the room.

The smell of coffee quickly woke Gimli out of his noisy slumber. With a few groans and grumbles he was sitting up rubbing his eyes.

"Coffee? Do I smell coffee?" he mumbled under his breath, yawning.

"You do," Elesia said. She handed them both cups of steaming coffee, bowls of oatmeal, bread, and fruit. They ate in a companionable silence. And once the dishes were cleared away, she sat down with them to discuss orcs and answer their questions.

"What do you wish to know?"

"Please, tell us what has happened here," Legolas asked.

"Many years ago, when Sauron was in power and I was just a baby. The farmers of the valley fled to this forest. They built the gates, they lay traps in the lands to protect us. They knew they would have to go to war and wanted their families to be safe. When I was a little older than the children here, fighting came along the edges of the valley. We could see the fires and smell the smoke of the orcs. When the day came to fight, many men left to protect the village. They didn't return," she said.

"All the men left?" Gimli said. "Wouldn't some stay behind?"

"Some did. 10 men were left to stand guard. After the war was over, they left one by one, to discover the fates of the men who went before them. And they never returned. Only the women, children, and the eldest remained behind," she said.

"And you have been here all this time?" Legolas asked.

She nodded. "For over 10 years we wait. It is too dangerous for us to travel. Many are too weak for a journey of that length without an escort. And so many years have passed that many don't wish to leave. This has become our home. And our prison."

"How did you become mayor?" Gimli asked. "Among our people the oldest and wisest are in power."

"You are not the oldest. So you are then the wisest?" Legolas asked with a smile.

"Neither. While the others my age are busy helping their mothers with their younger siblings, I took care of what needed to be done," she said.

"You have no family?" Gimli asked.

"I was an only child. My father left to fight. My mother died 4 winters ago," she explained. "I had to keep busy so I do what needs to be done. I organize the hunting parties. Help Old Rose gather herbs for healing. Check on the eldest of us. Teach the youngsters how to fight. It is not the life I imagined as a child, but it is not a bad one either. The people here are good. But lately the orcs have come close to breaking our defenses. Within the past few months they have nearly gotten in. You say you are here to kill orc?"

"We come at bequest of the Aragorn, son of Arathorn, King of the throne of Gondor. He wishes the roads to be safe for travel and all orcs destroyed. We are following one of the last remaining bands of orcs to their stronghold," Legolas said.

"I can take you to their stronghold, it is but a days hike away in the mountains. But what can 2 do against so many?" she asked.

"You would not ask such questions if you had known what roads we have traveled," Gimli said.

"I meant no offense," she said.

"And none is taken. We are not here to battle, but to scout out the land. After we locate the stronghold, we must return to the King," Legolas said. "He will send us back with an army."

"That could take months," she said.

"And for that I am sorry, but there is no other way," Legolas said. "You lack the forces that will be needed to defeat them. But we will help you fortify your village before we return. It will hold"

"It will have to, won't it," she said.


Chapter 5 - Chapter 5

The week passed. To Legolas it seemed an eternity. Banished to the couch, forced to keep his bandaged foot immobile, he stayed.

During the day he was mostly alone. A few eyes peaked through windows. But even after the first day, that stopped. Elesia was in and out. Long enough to hand him some food and was back out the door. Gimli following along behind her as the villagers reinforced the gates under Gimli's watchful eyes.

At night, Gimli and Elesia would update him on what they'd accomplished during the day. But being able to do little more but listen, Legolas had little advice to offer, only words of encouragement. And even his words of encouragement lacked their usual luster after the third day of being indoors.

On the fourth day, Gimli mentioned his theory of the village trees and how he was certain he had found the Entwives. This news alone was enough to cause Legolas to spring to his feet. Despite all protests from Old Rose, he insisted he was healed and that he would go outside the next day.

The fifth day dawned. Legolas was outside to greet it. All was peaceful. The village was asleep. Under the boughs of the trees he stood as the sunlight's first rays peaked through the branches. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, letting the wind caress his cheeks. He listened to the sounds of the trees and walked amongst them. Stopping frequently to run his hand along the bark. Looking up into their leafy branches, he thought that perhaps Gimli was correct. Maybe these were the Entwives that left the Fangorn Forest long ago. He sat in the natural hollows along the base of the trunk and stared up into the branches in a thoughtful silence. Which was how Elesia found him.

"Do all elves wake with the sun?" she asked.

"Only those who have not seen it rise in many days," he said.

"You tire of my hospitality?" she asked, mocking hurt.

"Never," he said. "But I long for a ceiling of endless blue skies by day and stars by night."

They sat in a companionable silence, watching the sun as it rose and the rays as they flickered through the branches above them.

"I have never seen trees of this sort," he said.

"They are a mystery. Many stories have been told about their origins," she said.

"In this age it is a comfort to know that some mysteries are left to be explained and some things of wonder still inhabit the earth, though all else is fading." He rose, turning his attention away from the branches and looked towards the front gates. "In a quieter time, I should like to hear those stories."

"When the orcs are gone." Her tone of voice gave her doubts away, as they walked together towards the gates.

"They will be destroyed," Legolas said. "It will only take some time."

"I believe you."

"But.." Legolas said.

"But it a long way from Gondor and Kings have other things to fill their days than being concerned with a handful of orcs leagues away from his throne," she said.

"Aragorn is concerned with all in his kingdom. Not only those nearby. He has traveled far and wide and holds every road traveled and untravelled dear to his heart," Legolas said.

"If that is true then he must be a wise king indeed. For those who came before him gave not a thought to ones so far away," Elesia said. They approached the front gates.

"He will not fail you," he said. "Nor will I.

He said a few words in a language that she could not understand. Then he translated them into the Common Tongue.

"On my honor as son of Thranduil, King of Mirkwood. We will return," he said.

"Your father is a king? So you are a Prince?" she asked.

"In title only, my father will never give up his throne. And I have no desire to take it," he said. "My future lies elsewhere."

Elesia said nothing. There was a sad longing in his eyes. And it seemed to Elesia that in his blue eyes she could see the waves of the endless sea, stretching out before her. But it quickly faded and he shook the feeling away.

"Let us see the gates and I shall see if Gimli is as good with wood as he is with rocks," Legolas said.

He quickly leapt upon to the gates, examining the craftsmanship. He could see the extra barriers along every weak spot on the gates. It was reinforced with both rock and wood. Along the top of the gates there was a small space wide enough for one man to stand, many rocks had been gathered. Gimli had constructed weapons to fling the stones long distances. Some stones were coated and wrapped with hay, so that when lit with fire they would burn. It looked strong and the area was well defensible. But with so few to guard it, the fight would be hard should the orcs return.

Elesia joined him on the top of the gates. As if reading his thoughts said, "It will be a hard fight, but we can defend ourselves."

He looked at her for a very long time. She held his gaze.

"I do not doubt it. I should be proud to stand in battle beside you. Though I hope it will not come to that," he said.

"As do I," she said.

They looked out across the empty valley towards the mountains.


Chapter 6 - Chapter 6

The sun set and before the next day's dawning, Legolas, Gimli, and Elesia were packed to hike to the Orc's stronghold.

Gimli went to get the horses but Elesia stopped him.

"Where we go, the horses cannot. It is safer for all, if we go by foot. But even then it is a dangerous journey," she said.

"If you do not wish to go, draw us a map and we shall find the way ourselves," Legolas said.

"It would be foolish for you to go alone into strange country," Elesia said.

"We have done it before," Gimli said.

"I'm sure you have. But you will not while I am here to guide you," she said. "I can take you to look out point. We go there from time to time to monitor the orcs number and strength."

Legolas stepped out the door. "The sun rises soon."

"And we should leave. It is dangerous to travel the open valley in daylight," she said.

She started to open the front door, then hesitated. Legolas and Gimli watched as she took the green amulet from around her neck and placed it on the mantel.

They crossed the open valley under cover of darkness. They moved quickly and she kept up a steady pace. The grey skies of dawn greeted them as they approached the gentle slopes that lead up to the mountain pass. By the time they were passing into the cover of the foot of the mountain, the first rays of sun had broken over the horizon.

She lead them away from the main path of the orcs, to a narrow trail only wide enough for them to walk single file. The mountain steepened and before long they were half climbing, scrambling over boulders and shimmying along the edges of cliffs. After they had climbed several hundred feet above the valley, the trail widened and there was a small overhang. It was here that she stopped for the first time since they'd left the village that morning.

Gimli sat down and looked at the steep sheer cliff walls that surrounded them on all sides. The only way to continue up the trail would be to scale the sides of the mountain.

"I thought you said this was an easy hike?" Gimli said.

"Easy as in not far. If you fear heights, then it may be considered hard," she said and smiled. "I thought dwarves loved mountains."

"Dwarves like caves. Not the sides of cliffs," Gimli said.

"Which way do we go from here?" Legolas asked, as he examined the rock.

"It is not much further. From the top of the rock face behind us is the look out that I spoke of. From there, you will be able to see down into the stronghold. They have delved many deep caverns but have only one entrance or exit," Elesia said.

"So we climb?" Legolas asked.

She nodded.

Legolas was about to take off up the side of the mountain and she stopped him.

"This way. I will lead you. There is only one way that has proper footholds," she said.

She then looked at Gimli and considered.

"We will have to pull you up. The footholds are too far apart for your feet to reach," she said. "I hadn't considered that and I am sorry."

Gimli shook his head, "I shall stand guard here and await your return."

Gimli watched from below as Elesia climbed up the cliff face. And Legolas followed behind her. As she had warned, there were only certain hand and footholds that would hold them. And those were all few and far between. About 20 feet up they disappeared over the top of the cliff.

Gimli waited.

Legolas followed Elesia as she crawled on her stomach to the other side of the cliff. Legolas joined her and they peaked over the edge into a deep chasm delved by orcs. The entrance was a wide hollow of a cave. Orcs came and went freely. Legolas began calculating their strengths from the workmanship he saw below him. From the depths of the caverns and the comings and going of orcs, Legolas estimated there were near a thousand.

"There are no guards?" Legolas asked.

"They do not guard so near the entrance, they are back down the path near where the mountains meet the valley," she said.

Legolas turned and looked back down the narrow and long trail that wound through the foot of the mountains and lead out into the valley. Though some distance away he could see orcs standing guard.

"There are five of them," he said.

She looked at him astonished. "Is that some magic you use to see so far?"

Legolas shook his head. "All elves posses the gift of great sight."

"That is a gift I should like to have," she said.

He smiled at her. "Your gift has been to bring us to the stronghold. Without your help we may well have walked into this place unaware."

"Without my help, your ankle would be unbroken," she said.

"It is but a small price to pay for victory over the orcs," he said.

They turned to crawl away. But a rock near them gave way and tumbled down the sides of the cliff. It started a chain reaction with other rocks and a small rock slide fell towards the chasm. Orcs were yelling. And arrows whizzed over their heads.

Legolas and Elesia dove behind a large boulder for cover. Another volley of arrows rained down upon them. With lightning speed Legolas drew his bow and fired. He heard an orc scream. Then another.

"Legolas! Elesia! What foul trouble have you gotten into?" Gimli yelled up at them.

Gimli heard the march of footsteps and looked down the edge of the trail. Orcs were headed right towards him. Surrounded by cliffs there was no where for him to go but up.

"Legolas!!" Gimli yelled.

Legolas handed his bow to Elesia and lowered the rope to Gimli. The dwarf tied the rope around his waist and was quickly hoisted up. As Elesia untied him, Legolas watched below.

"Orcs are on there way up here," Gimli said.

"Do you know where the trail leads from here?" Legolas asked Elesia.

"It goes up across the top of the mountain pass down to the hot springs on the other side," she said. "It is a days hike but we will come out behind Entville."

"Then lead us," Legolas said.

They hurried away from the cliffs and the sound of orcs grew distant.


Chapter 7 - Chapter 7

For some hours they climbed. At times the mountain side was so steep that Legolas and Elesia had to climb ahead and pull Gimli up after them. At the top of the mountain pass they stopped. At this elevation, the air was noticeably colder. The peaks of the Misty Mountains spread out before them. One snow covered peak after another broke through the atmosphere and seemed to touch the sky. To the west they could see the gently sloping fields that eventually lead down to the Shire.

Legolas and Gimli stared off into the distance. It had been two years since they had visited the Shire. And Gimli and Legolas had soon after decided that there was no place where they had been shown such hospitality or merry-making. The month they spent there had been filled with laughter and song and pipe-smoking and ale drinking. Much more happiness than either of them had seen in the years before or since. The memories of those days they held dear.

Gimli stared off at the gently rolling hills and said, "I wonder what goes on in the Shire this evening?"

"I should think there would be warm meals by firelight. Followed by a few more helpings of food. Until their hobbit bellies were filled way passed contentment." Legolas said with a small grin. "And pipe-weed passed around for a long smoke."

"Master Pippin's pipe is still the best I've ever used," Gimli said.

"I have never seen the appeal of blowing smoke rings until it obscures the view of the sky," Legolas teased.

"That is because you are an elf and do not understand the joys of the simpler things in life. You are all sun, moon, and stars," Gimli said.

Legolas smiled. "Perhaps you are right."

Elesia fell asleep as she listened to their gentle banter.

Several hours later, they awoke with the sun and continued their journey. The days hike continued much as the day before. Except, instead of climbing up, they were climbing down. It was slow and tedious, but not all together unpleasant. Any day spent outside amongst good company was a blessing to Legolas.

Towards sunset, they were at the end of the trail. A long steep sheer rock face lead down into the forest of Entville. They were behind the gates at the back of the village. Getting down, however, would be tricky. According to Elesia, a few of the villagers had attempted it, but the sheer rock offered no hand holds. In order to descend a very long rope was needed. Gimli had a light weight elvish rope given to him in Rivendell. It was not quite long enough, dangling 15 feet or so above the forest floor.

Legolas climbed down first and dropped down easily. For him, 15 feet seemed little more than a hop. His light footfalls taking the fall effortlessly. Gimli slid down next, grumbling to himself the entire way. Hesitating a moment before dropping down into Legolas awaiting arms. Legolas set him up-right on the ground. And Gimli dusted himself off.

Elesia slid down last. She held onto the very last edge of rope. She fell into Legolas outstretched arms. He set her down gently on the ground.

In Elesia's house, food was the first thing on Gimli's mind. They ate in silence considering the past two days events. 1,000 orcs. That had seen them. It wasn't good news. Gimli and Legolas said nothing as they ate. They didn't need to.

"The orc's will increase their attacks on us," Elesia said.

Gimli nodded.

"We must leave tonight," Legolas said. "It we hurry we can be back here in a month, no more."

"No less though either," she said.

Legolas sighed. It was not the way he wished this journey to end. But in his life it seemed as if journey's ends never went according to plan. He had no desire to leave these people so unprepared for attacks.

"Let's get your horses ready. There is much to be done," she said.

Supplies were gathered in a hurry. The children were running as messengers throughout the village, gathering provisions for their journey. And the villagers were generous with supplies.

Before sunset, the horses were saddled and ready. The villagers lined the dirt paths and watched in silence as Legolas and Gimli lead their horses towards the gates. A few yelled out words of encouragement.

Elesia was waiting at the gates for them. She walked to Gimli and took his hands.

"Thank you Gimli. If these defenses hold, we have you to thank for it," Elesia said.

"It was an honor," he said.

"Safe journey," Elesia said.

Gimli bowed low. He looked up at the gates and at the young guards who he had been preparing for battle. They raised their weapons in a salute to him.

She turned to Legolas and handed him a small pouch of salve.

"Rose wanted you to have this for your ankle," she said.

"Give her my thanks," Legolas said.

"I am sorry about your injury," she said. "Please accept my apologies."

"You do what you must to survive. No apologies are necessary," he said. "Though, I would like to hear the stories of the Entchildren when we return."

"When you return," she said, as if she liked the sound of those words.

He smiled.

"Safe journey, Legolas," Elesia said.

Gimli and Legolas mounted their horses and slowly picked their way through the delicate trail of orc traps. Once, Gimli caught Legolas looking over his shoulder at the gates as they grew further into the distance.

"There are so few of them," Legolas said.

"But we both know it's impossible for the two of us to turn tide in a battle against so many orc," Gimli said. "We are doing what we can."

Legolas nodded. Gimli was right, of course, but that didn't mean Legolas had to like it. He looked across the valley and gave his horse a nudge, sending them both running swiftly away from Entville.


Chapter 8 - Chapter 8

The days passed. The sun rose and set. And still Legolas and Gimli rode on. They awoke with the dawn and stopped well after sundown. And kept up such pace on horseback that neither had time for conversation. Their horses could sense their urgency and rode hard throughout the day, as if they were pursued by some unseen forces.

At night, no words needed to be spoken. Legolas and Gimli would light a fire and eat in silence. As typical on all of their many travels, Legolas would star gaze. Gimli often wondered what magic the stars held that Legolas could gaze at them so long. However, this trip, even Gimli wondered at the stars. The story of the Entchildren captured his imagination. And from the Entchildren, he'd think of Elesia and the others in Entville. Gimli was worried. But Gondor was near and taking action was better than idle worries.

The valleys gave way to mountains. And even the mountains diminished into the distance. Gondor was approaching. They rode into the city. The guards breaking formation to let them pass through the gates at a run. Dismounting their horses at the doors of the castle, Legolas and Gimli rushed up the stairs and down the long corridors into Aragorn's chambers.

Aragorn and Arwen were both awaiting their arrival. Aragorn sensed the tension as they approached him. He had fought side by side with them many times. Enough to recognize the look of coming battle in their eyes. His guards were dismissed as they retreated to his study with Arwen. All formalities were put aside and they were once again three men at war.

"You have news," Aragorn said.

"Orcs. At least a thousand strong," Legolas said.

"That many?" Aragorn said. "I had no idea there would be orcs in such numbers."

"There's more," Legolas said.

"I suspected. Or you would not have come at such a pace," Aragorn said.

"There is a village, very near the stronghold." Legolas began.

"Entville," Gimli said. At the mention of Ents Aragorn's eyes rose.

"There are no Ents there," Gimli said.

"That is a pity. How many people are there?" Aragorn said. "Certainly they have enough men to hold them off until we arrive?"

Gimli shook his head. "There are few. Women, children, the elder. Their only line of defense is young women and boys."

"Boys? Where are the men?" Aragorn asked.

"Killed by orcs, long ago. They've been trapped in the small forest for years, by the orcs," Legolas said.

Aragorn said, "I must ready the troops. I will send you with 1,000. I hope it isn't too late." He left the room.

Arwen had been listening quietly. She alone could see the tension wasn't only for the coming battle. They both cared for these people that were in danger. Knowing they had a hard ride ahead of them and many more opportunities for worry, she hoped to take their mind off their troubles.

"It has been long since I have seen the two of you," She said.

Legolas and Gimli greeted her.

"Lady Arwen. Your beauty grows greater with every setting of the sun," Gimli said and bowed low.

Arwen smiled. "As does my affection for dwarves."

"Legolas, it has been many months since I heard news of your father. How fairs he?" Arwen asked.

"My father is well. He tends his people and his forest. At present, under the guidance of some of Gimli's people, he is delving a greater cavern in hopes of your visit." Legolas said.

"I look forward to that visit, my son and I will travel with his coming of age," Arwen said.

"Perhaps he will have the caverns finished by then," Legolas said. He cut his eyes over at Gimli with a slight smirk on his face. Arwen's son was only an infant. Coming-of-age was at least two decades away.

"My dwarves will have it done in no more than 3 years. That is plenty of time," Gimli said, defending his people.

"There is food and drink waiting for you in the garden. Perhaps we shall continue our debate their?" Arwen said, smiling.

They followed her out of the study and through the inner courtyard to the gardens. They were fenced in by a large hedge. In the center of the garden was a fountain. Arching water flowed over rocks, it sounded like a river. Flowers were everywhere. And small trees were growing. The smell was distinctly Rivendell. Near the fountain a table with food had been set up.

"You are injured. What has happened?" Arwen asked Legolas as she saw him walk across the garden to sit down.

Though to all other eyes he walked perfectly normal. Only an elf could notice the almost imperceptible change in his step.

"An unfortunate accident," Legolas said.

Over lunch, Legolas and Gimli told Arwen the story of Entville.

"Who leads such a lost people?" Arwen said.

"Her name is Elesia," Legolas said.

Something in the way Legolas said her name, caught Arwen's attention. She smiled at him.

"Elesia," Arwen said thoughtfully. "Tell me about her."


Chapter 9 - Chapter 9

As dawn greeted the borders of Gondor, Minas Tirith came to life. Merchants rolled their carts overflowing with fruits and vegetables into the market square. Babies cried, dogs barked, doors opened. People started their daily routines.

Legolas gazed down at the streets from the balcony of his guest room in the castle. But he took little comfort in the peaceful scene below him. His thoughts lay many leagues beyond. He was worried.

Gimli could see the worry on Legolas' face as they rode their horses out of the city. Behind them rode a thousand of the best soldiers that Aragorn had to offer. Gimli only hoped they would arrive in time. Entville was many days rides away. And though Gimli did his best to prepare the villagers for battle, he was not foolish or naïve enough to believe his reinforcements would hold out indefinitely. He knew orcs once angered would stop at nothing to destroy their prey. He had seen it at the battle of Helm's Deep, he hoped he would never see it again. But he knew that eventually Entville's defenses would fail. Time was running out.

Legolas pushed the soldier's mercilessly onward, as if being pursued by time itself. An unwavering determination was in his eyes.

The soldiers kept pace. With each league that passed, their anger seemed to grow. There were few people in Gondor or in Middle- Earth that hadn't been affected by war. The soldiers were no exception. Many had lost family or comrades by the hands of orc. The soldiers would not be satisfied until the last orc was slain.

And so the days passed, one after another, running seamlessly together. The nervous anticipation of coming battle rippled though the ranks.

The long valley lay before them.

Legolas peered long into the distance. Shielding his eyes from the setting sun, he gazed down the length of the valley. Behind him, the troops waited, restless and ready.

Gimli looked but saw nothing but the blue haze of far-off mountain peaks. However, he didn't need to see when he had Legolas face to watch.

"There is trouble," Gimli said. "I can see it in your eyes."

"I see the smoke of many fires. I fear we may be too late," Legolas said.

Gimli growled under his breath. "If we be too late to save them, we may still avenge them," Gimli said.

Legolas only nodded and lead the troops across the valley at a run. The soldiers pressed on, with ever growing momentum they ran as evidence of orc attacks grew. The trampled grass, the burnt out houses, the smell of the fires.

It was well after dark when they approached the orc. Entville lay less than a league away.

Legolas stopped and stared. Flying balls of fire cut through the darkness like falling stars. Orc screamed.

"The gates still hold. There is hope yet!" Legolas said. "Your defenses must be stronger than you thought."

"Or the villagers are tougher than they look," Gimli said.

With a loud war cry, Legolas gave the command. Moving as one, the soldiers charged. The sound of the galloping horses was deafening.

The orcs were caught off guard. So focused on defeating the gates of Entville, they had given their rear ranks little protection.

The orcs scattered as the Gondor soldier's charged. But there was little place for the orc to go and they could do little to defend themselves against soldiers on horseback. Trapped by the onslaught of soldiers in the rear, the orcs focused their efforts on the gates. No longer looking for attack but looking for a way of escape.

Legolas watched in horror as the orcs stampeded the gates, trampling one another as they tried to escape. Gimli held the ground around Legolas while he shot off arrow after arrow far into the distance in a feeble attempt to hold the gate. All his arrows hit their mark.

But the orcs were too many and the gate would not hold. The wood crackled, splintered, and fell into pieces. The orcs poured though the opening into Entville.

They tore through Entville, destroying everything in their path, only to meet the dead-end of the sheer mountain face in the back of the village. Entville offered no real escape for the orc. It was merely a delay of the inevitable.

The orcs charged back out of Entville in one last stand. The soldiers held their ground. They picked off the orcs one by one, until the valley lay in silence.

The battle of Entville was over.


Chapter 10 - Chapter 10

As a child Legolas could hardly wait to grow-up and defend his people against enemies. For hours he and his young comrades would "defend" Mirkwood against imagined enemies. Throughout the day and many a night, they ran wild through the trees keeping a tally of the invisible orcs they killed. It was a great game, which always ended the same: with his father scolding him for wandering farther beyond the boundaries of the caverns than he should.

Though the consequences were much higher than being scolded by his father, Legolas still regarded battled as a game to be won. He never felt more at one with the universe than when his mind was focused on battle. His bow was an extension of himself, smooth and sleek and deadly was his aim. Battles he loved.

The first few hours after a battle he hated. The injured. The dead. Stumbling upon fallen comrades. Disposing of dead orcs. It was the brutal reality of battle seldom talked about in song. But Legolas had felt no dread such as the fear that filled him as he walked towards the splintered fallen gates of Entville.

The gates lay in ruins. Dead orcs littered the ground. The villagers were slowly dragging the orcs to a burn pile in front of where the gates once stood. Inside the gates, lay the dead.

Row upon row of bodies. The villagers tended to them, preparing them for burial. The majority were the young boys that Gimli had tried to prepare for battle.

Gimli saw them and wept. Row by row, he slowly went, saying the dwarvish words of the dead over each body.

Legolas walked through the village. His eyes scanned the villagers. Some were putting out fires while other tended the wounded. His eyes caught Elesia, but she did not see him. She walked through the scattered wreckage of the village to the broken gates and looked out at the wide green valley. The sun was rising.

Legolas followed her. To him, she seemed little wounded, except perhaps in spirit. He stood beside her and said nothing, knowing that the simple presence of another was often comfort enough. She looked up at him, her eyes held tears unshed.

"They look to me for guidance and I have none to give," she said. "I have failed my people."

"You have not," Legolas insisted. "You did as good as any in your position could hope. Look at all you achieved while you were here. You built a community."

"We cannot stay here any longer," she said.

"The orcs are gone. They will not be back," he said.

"It matters not at all. My people are too weak to rebuild. Most are old. The other half gave up on life long ago. And spend their time watching the horizon for the return of men who have been dead for a decade. They have held on for 10 years, they have not the strength to hold on any longer," she said. "Nor do I."

"Do not say that," Legolas said. "It would be pity indeed for so strong a people to give up when victory is so near."

"Victory?" she said, looking around at the destruction. "I see nothing victorious about this day."

"You have much to be thankful for. Many are still alive. Many have long years ahead of them. And they need not live it in a prison of their own making."

"But where shall we go?" she asked.

"The King would welcome you into Gondor. He would be honored to have such strong people within the walls of his city," Legolas said.

She was quiet for a long time, looking out at the valley.

"I thought I came here to think. But I already knew the decision was made. I came here to look at my future," she said. "I have never seen the opposite end of this valley."

"You will," he said.

She nodded.


Chapter 11 - Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Little could be salvaged from the orc's destruction. Like many in the village, Elesia lost everything except what she had on her. The dress she wore and her necklace were all she had left. In the course of a few hours, everything she held dear had been destroyed.

Most of the Gondorian soldier's had left to trail the remaining handfuls of orcs that had escaped the battle. It had been decided that the remaining soldiers would loan their horses to villagers who had none. The soldiers would walk in ranks beside them as an escort when they began the long journey to Minas Tirith.

Dawn had broken and within hours they would be leaving Entville. Elesia took a last walk through the forest with Gimli. He looked up at the trees.

"What is it about these trees that entrances you and Legolas so?" she asked.

"There is a forest, many leagues from here, where legends walk the earth and Ents are as common as grass," Gimli said.

She looked at him skeptically.

"How I would love to have small piece of this wood to talk to them. They alone would know if this indeed is their kin," Gimli said.

"Unfortunately, you are in luck," Elesia said. She lead him to the shell of a burnt down house. The trees that grew beside it had been partially burned. The villagers had chopped off several low lying limbs in order to keep the fire from spreading.

Gimli sifted through the rubble and found a branch about the size of a walking stick. With great respect he cleaned the ashes from its bark. He turned to the tree and bowed low.

"Be you Entchildren or Entwives, I shall travel to Fangorn Forest and tell them I found you," Gimli said.

"And I shall go with him," Elesia said.

Gimli looked at her, delighted. "Truly?" he asked.

She nodded. "I should love to see a real Ent. I know I shall never set foot here again and already I miss these woods," Elesia said. Her eyes were full of sadness.

"This is the only home I have ever known," she said. "I do not know how to say goodbye."

"Change, it is always so," Gimli said.

"Does it ever become easier to bear?" she asked.

"For this dwarf, change is still a burden. For others, I do not know," Gimli said, thoughtfully. "Legolas is young, for an elf, yet he has seen more seasons rise and fall than many times my years. Change for him, may not be the same."

"It is always a burden," Legolas said, as he approached them. "Be you a man, a dwarf, or an elf. Sadder still for an elf because I see the world slip away and yet I remain. Though perhaps it will not always be so." He looked up at the sky. The blue reminded him of the sea. The puffy clouds were like the crests of waves as they pounded the shore. He would not be able to ignore the calls forever.

"Come, let us sit here no longer," Gimli said. "We have a long ride ahead of us and already the sun is rising high into mid- morning."

And so the old and the young of Entville, left behind the only home they had known for years. As they crossed the valley many turned back for one last look. Elesia did not.

*************************

Many days and leagues had passed before the villagers' grief was replaced by hope. Gazing upon lands they had never before seen, awoke within them a newfound freedom. Instead of traveling to Minas Tirith, most families decided to seek their own path, in the hopes of reuniting with friends and family left behind long ago. Every road that intersected with the road to Gondor became a tearful goodbye, until the only remaining villagers were Elesia and the young men who vowed to pledge allegiance to Gondor and serve King Aragorn.

They were already within the borders of Gondor and would arrive in the city tomorrow. Legolas was standing guard. Though he could sense no threat on the wind or grass, he had traveled too many dangerous roads not to be wary. Near the campfire, Gimli was demonstrating hand-to-hand combat to a few of the young men. Laughter filled the air as Gimli and the boys toppled to the ground in a heap. As Legolas watched them a sadness filled his heart. He thought of Boromir and the endless fighting lessons he share with Merry and Pippin. So was the way of elves, who lived such long lives, memory piled upon memory until the day came when they were in two places at every moment. Both the present and reliving the past. It was a joy and a grief. Legolas hadn't the time to dwell on either for Elesia had left the campfire to join him.

For a long while, she said nothing but was content to stare up at the stars. Legolas enjoyed the company. On his travels, Gimli would often stargaze with him but it was as if they were seeing two different sights. With Elesia, he felt they were seeing with the same eyes. However, he found himself gazing down at her, instead of at the sky. She was holding the green stone that hung from her necklace, tight in her hands. She lifted it to her lips and kissed it, before letting it drop against her chest. Seeing the curious expression on Legolas face, she explained.

"My father gave it to my mother when they were married. After my father failed to return, I would kiss the stone every night. I haven't done that in years," she said sheepishly.

"Where did your father find such a stone?" Legolas asked.

"He said he found it when he was a boy. It washed upon the shores of the sea," Elesia said.

"It is beautiful," Legolas said, though he looked at Elesia and not at the stone.

"Gimli said you will accompany us to Fangorn Forest?" she asked.

"We have yet to finish this journey and already you think of the next?" Legolas teased.

"I have seen little of the world. And now that I have had a glimpse, I can not wait to see more," Elesia said.

Legolas smiled. "Yes, I will go to Fangorn. Those trees...." Legolas voice trailed off. "There are no words

In song or verse that can describe their grandeur. Though we will be at least a fortnight in the city before we depart"

********************

The rolling countryside became more populated as they neared the walls of the city. The dirt road was lined with small farms and orchards as far as the eye could see. Farmers were in the fields, seeing to their crops. Soon the walls of the city stood before them.

Once inside the gates, they rode to the outer courtyard of the castle. The courtyard was busy and the members of the party soon dispersed into the crowds. Soldiers greeted them. Elesia returned her horse to its owner. Legolas and Gimli disappeared into the castle. The young men of Entville were escorted into a nearby soldiers quarters in order to learn the proper etiquette to greet the King. For the first time in her life, Elesia was completely on her own.

***************

Aragorn and Arwen greeted Legolas and Gimli as they walked into the castle. Aragorn wasted no time in getting straight to the point.

"How faired the battle?" Aragorn asked.

"The orc have been destroyed. The few that remained are being pursued as we speak," Legolas said. They walked down the castle hallway into Aragorn's study.

"And what of the village Entville?" Aragorn asked, as they all took seats.

"Alas, it was destroyed as well. Along with many a brave young soldier," Gimli said.

"But because of their bravery many of the villagers were saved," Legolas said. "Those remaining went in search of family. A few of the young men returned with us to pledge their allegiance to their king."

"And I shall be grateful to have it," Aragorn said.

"What of Elesia?" Arwen asked.

Legolas and Gimli exchanged glances. "She returned with us," Legolas said. It was not an acceptable answer for Arwen.

"And is wandering the streets of a strange city alone?" Arwen asked. Her look scolded them more than her words. Legolas rose from his seat.

"Havo dad, Legolas," Arwen said. "I shall find her."

**************************

Arwen gazed out into the city. "Where would you be, Elesia?" she said softly. The wind whipped through the trees that surrounded the castle. Arwen smiled.

A narrow garden encircled the entire outer edge of the castle. It was only a dozen or so paces wide. Inside it were flowers and a row of perfectly spaced trees. The garden was enclosed on both sides by a tall hedge. So a person walked inside the garden saw nothing of the city, only green.

Arwen walked upon the soft grass. It wasn't long before she saw a girl leaning against the trunk of a tree. Without an introduction, Arwen knew it was Elesia. Her dress was not of the style usually worn by the women of Gondor and it was stained with the dust of travel.

"Welcome to Gondor, Elesia. I am Arwen," she said.

Elesia looked at Arwen but could not speak, so entranced by the beauty of her face and the soothing tone of her voice.

"You must forgive Legolas and Gimli. They often forget hospitality when there are war stories to be told," Arwen said.

"I was not expected hospitality," Elesia said. "They were kind enough to guide me here and I am in their debt. What I do next is no ones responsibility but my own."

Arwen smiled. "I shall not have you sleeping beneath trees, as beautiful as they may be. You have traveled a long road to get here. I would be honored if you let me ease your troubles, at least for a while."

Arwen extended her hand to Elesia and she took it.

"Come," Arwen said. "The city can be overwhelming to those who do not know its ways."

Together they walked towards the castle.


Chapter 12 - Chapter 12

Arwen radiated contentment. With simply her presence, Arwen was able to bring a smile from everyone who she encountered as they walk through the castle. As if reading Elesia's thoughts, Arwen bypassed the lavish guest quarters that were used for visiting royalty and lead her into an adjoining wing. They walked up a flight of stairs and into a long row of rooms.

"This wing of the castle is for my kin," Arwen said. "Most come from Rivendell and Lorien, the land of my father and grandmother."

"It is.. .. beautiful," Elesia said. The rooms had a natural beauty, the marble walls seemed not to be made by the hand of man but naturally formed in the shapes and swirling pillars that lined the hallway.

"At Aragorn's request many of the rooms in the castle were remodeled to accommodate the many different peoples of Middle-Earth," Arwen explained. "In the lower levels are hobbit and dwarvish rooms. The second level contains mortal rooms. These rooms are elvish."

Arwen opened the door to a room at the corner of the building. Inside it was like nothing Elesia had ever seen. Though enclosed with a ceiling, the walls of the room were virtually non-existent. A few tall pillars and an ornate marble gate that went waist high, lined three sides of the room. It was open to the wind and the sun and the sky. But what caught Elesia's attention were the trees. They grew so near the side of the castle that she could reach out and touch the leafy branches. In the center of the room was a large bed and one small bureau was against the only wall in the room. Elesia stood in speechless wonder.

"I hope this is sufficient," Arwen said. "After hearing the description of your homes in Entville, I thought you would feel more at home here."

Elesia could only nod. Arwen smiled at her. "I shall have clothing and food brought to you. Tomorrow there will most likely be a great feast, but today, rest."

"Thank you," Elesia said.

Arwen closed the door behind her as she left. As she returned to her chambers she saw Legolas walking down the hallway towards her.

"Your lost Elesia, is safe and sound," Arwen said, before Legolas had a chance to speak. She looked into his eyes for a long moment and said, "Walk with me, Legolas."

They walk along the castle hallways.

"The sea rages within you," Arwen said.

"It consumes my dreams both asleep and awake," Legolas said.

"Aragorn shall greatly miss you. As will I. You have been like a brother to us," Arwen said.

"I am not leaving today," Legolas said, with a grin.

"But soon."

He nodded. "Within the year. I have to travel to Fangorn Forest."

"One last journey with Gimli?" Arwen asked.

Legolas nodded.

"Before you leave, you must indulge me one thing," Arwen said.

"Anything, my lady," Legolas said.

"Travel to Mirkwood and give your father a proper farewell. Though you be reunited one day, he will be upset if you do not," Arwen said.

"As you wish." Legolas said. "But you will give the news to Gimli and Elesia. A month or more of waiting for Fangorn will not be happy news."

Arwen stared at him, hiding her surprise. "Elesia will go with you?"

"She is young and has within her a great desire to see all parts of Middle- Earth at once."

"It was not long ago that I knew a young elf with the same affliction," Arwen said with a smile.

Legolas smiled. "I am completely cured of my wanderings."

"I do not think so. You will always long to see what lies over the mountains in the distance," Arwen said. She put her arm in hers as they walk out of the castle and into the gardens.

****************************

Gimli was lost. Caverns and caves he loved. And even the outdoors. But these never ending hallways of room after room and twists and turns. He had been to the castle only a few times since Aragorn was crowned king and he had yet to learn his way. He knew the dwarvish rooms were near the hobbit rooms but all he could find was the short hallway lined with round doors in the hobbit fashion. He sighed and started to go back the way he came when a smell wafted across his nose. He froze in place and closed his eyes, taking a long deep sniff of the air.

"Pipeweed," Gimli said. As if entranced by the odor he followed it to its source behind a small round door halfway down the hall. Not bothering to knock or to announce his entrance, Gimli opened the door with a bang.

Peregrin Took was sitting by a fire, kicked back in his chair, half falling asleep with his pipe hanging out of his mouth. Gimli's entrance woke him in a hurry. The pipe fell out of his mouth and rolled along the floor. A string of hobbit curses flew from Pippin's mouth as he chased after it. It came to rest at the feet of Gimli.

Pippin looked up, and seeing his old friend, a smile spread across his face. "Gimli!!" The pipe was forgotten as Pippin launched himself into a warm embrace with the dwarf. Gimli laughed long and hard at the hobbit.

"Wasting good pipe weed for sleeping." Gimli half-heartedly scolded. "How a people such as you ever learned how to grow pipeweed such as this is beyond me."

******************************

As Arwen had said, the next day a great feast was held. It had been since Arwen and Aragorn's wedding that so many of the Fellowship were together again. And though, only four of the nine were present, it was excuse enough for a feast.

The great hall was filled with food and drink. Elesia stood in the doorway looking in at everyone. Gimli and Pippin were laughing and filling their plates to overflowing. A host of elves were mingling, there laughter filling the room like song.

Legolas could feel the happiness of those inside the great hall, long before he entered the castle. It had been too long since he had been at so happy an occasion. He walked up the steps to the great hall and saw Elesia standing at the door. She was so busy watching the festivities inside the room, that she did not notice him approach her.

"Are you the keeper of this great hall?" he asked, teasing her. "Is there some word I must speak to be allowed entrance?"

"No.. I. . . . " she stopped speaking as she turned around to face him. Momentarily distracted by his clothing. No longer was he wearing his traveling clothes but a silver shimmering tunic. She gathered her thoughts and realized she had no reason at all to be standing at the doorway, except that she was no quite sure where she belonged.

"I was. . . . "

"Waiting for me I hope?" Legolas said, smiling down at her. Amused at her discomfort.

"Yes. I was," she said, taking his offer of friendship.

Putting his hand on the small of her back, he gently led her into the room. He avoided the elves and their intense gazes. In his travels with Gimli, he discovered that the dwarf admitted that large groups of elves made him uncomfortable. Wanting Elesia to feel at home, Legolas joined Gimli and Pippin. They sat down beside them.

Pippin, in the manner of all hobbits, quickly made Elesia feel like a long lost cousin. He bombarded her with tales of his Shire. Some no doubt complete fabrications but amusing.

The evening fell into night and the moon rose. The time for singing began. Endless songs in the Elvish tradition.

"Are there no songs in the common tongue?" Elesia asked Pippin during a break in the singing.

"Bilbo translated this song long ago into common tongue," Pippin said. "Though, it lacks the beauty of the Elvish verse, it was one of Bilbo's favorites. He was always going on and on about the mountains, you know. There was this time."

"Let us hear the song," said Arwen gently interrupting him, knowing full- well that if she did not, Pippin's tale could extend into the wee hours of the morning without ever hearing one word of the song.

He stood and all in the great hall got quiet. "For many an age in Valinor
The Elf named Palarran stay
He took joy in the sun and sky
And sang of Eldar days
But restlessness afflicted him
Like none who'd come before
That set foot upon the Blessed Realm
And walked upon its shore
He gazed far into the distant peaks
Of snow-capped mountains grand
And wished to see what lay beyond
The eyes of Elvish land
He took no heed nor minded
The warnings he was given
He journeyed to the mountains
By forces unseen driven
And as he stood atop the peaks
His eyes were filled with mirth
But he was seen no more again
Upon the lands of Middle-Earth."

There was polite clapping when Pippin finished the song and bowed low from his spot in the middle of the great hall. After the clapping subsided, Arwen turned to Elesia and asked, "What songs did they sing in Entville?"

"Because so many of the husbands disappeared, the woman wrote songs of great sadness," she said. All Elvish eyes turned to her. Elves knew best, the power of sad songs. And though, they sang songs of joy around the hearth this evening, their souls were often more deeply touched by songs of grief. They waited for her to say more. She did not. "We would be honored if you would share one of these songs with us." Arwen said, trying to offer encouragement.

Legolas leaned over to Elesia and whispered, "If we can listen to Pippin's noise without so much as a cringe, I am sure we can endure yours." Elesia smiled. Few of the elves sitting nearby, heard his words and chuckled. Pippin sat contentedly smoking his pipe, having not a clue that his pride had been tarnished. Reluctantly she got to her feet and sang.

"You'll remember me
when the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You'll forget the sun
In his jealous sky
As we walk in fields of gold
So she took her love
For to gaze a while
Upon the fields of barley
In his arms she fell
As her hair came down
Among the fields of gold
Will you stay with me
Will you be my love
Among the fields of barley
We'll forget the sun
In his jealous sky
As we lie in fields of gold
See the west wind move
Like a lover so
Upon the fields of barley
Feel her body rise
When you kiss her mouth
Among the fields of gold
I never made promises lightly
And there have been some that I've broken
But I swear in the days still left
We'll walk in fields of gold
Many years have passed
Since those summer days
Among the fields of barley
See the children run
As the sun goes down
Among the fields of gold
You'll remember me
When the west wind moves
Upon the fields of barley
You can tell the sun
In his jealous sky
When we walked in fields of gold
When we walked in fields of gold."

Her voice was not as melodic as the elves, but it was soft and gentle. Arwen could tell that it was a song she had known for many years. Arwen listened to the song and looked at Aragorn, she could not imagine losing him as those women had lost their husbands, with no explanation, just years of endless waiting. As Elesia finished the song, tears filled her eyes and she excused herself from the great hall. Arwen started to go after her, but Aragorn put a firm hand on hers. She looked at him perplexed. He motioned to the door, and they saw Legolas leaving the room in pursuit.

Legolas followed her out into the gardens. Elesia was pacing, taking quick steps as if trying to outrun her emotions. Legolas caught up with her and easily kept up pace.

"You are homesick. There is no shame in it."

"Homesick implies that there is actually a home to return to," she said, as she walked.

"Then your sadness must be ever the more great," Legolas said.

"I'm more angry than sad." She stopped walking. "I wish I could rip the arms off an orc.someone who's responsible for this. There must be someone I can blame."

"Will I do? I can bear the brunt of your fury," he said in complete seriousness and braced himself as if she were about to hit him.

Despite her sadness she smiled at him.

"Wait here. I have a cure for your ailment," he said and disappeared into the darkness.

She waited and he returned with his bow and arrows slung over his shoulder. He presented them to her.

"You bring me your bow?" she said. "I thought you would return with an orc for me to slay."

Legolas smiled. "Alas, target practice is all I have to offer."

"And I accept. But I am not much of an archer," she said.

"I saw you in battle, you held the ground around you admirably with both bow and sword," Legolas said.

Legolas took a seat in the grass while she shot arrow after arrow at the target. Few hit their mark, but it did not matter. Many a day, Legolas had used target practice as a way to clear his mind. He knew well, how the endless repetition and the mental concentration needed to execute an arrow could ease the mind of troubles. She shot arrows until her arms shook from the exertion and she could pull back the bow strings no longer.

She walked to him and handed him the bow.

"Thank you, Legolas," she said.

"You're welcome, though I fear your arms may not thank me tomorrow," he said.

"My arms are regretting this evening already," Elesia admitted, as they walked back into the castle.

"The only thing I regret about the evening is that I got to hear you sing but once," Legolas said. They stopped at her door.

She smiled at him.

"Perhaps you will hear another some day, but only if I hear a song from you first," she said.

"It is a promise. Goodnight," Legolas said and bowed. Leaving her alone in the hallway.


Chapter 13 - Chapter 13

At Gimli insistence, Legolas decided to leave for Mirkwood before weeks end. He had his horse saddled and waiting near the stables, as he walked through the castle looking to say his farewells. He heard Gimli's deep laughter, before he saw him.

Sunlight streamed in through the windows of the small nursery. Gimli and Elesia were peering into the cradle, while Arwen watched with approval. Little Eldarion stood wobbly on his chubby legs and reached his arms up to Elesia. With a nod from Arwen, Elesia reached into the baby bed and lifted him out. His hair was dark like his parents, and though completely mortal, his features were delicate like his mothers. Eldarion reached a little hand out and grabbed Gimli's beard, giving it a surprisingly hard tug.

"Ouch," Gimli said, trying to pry the tiny fingers out of his beard.

Legolas laughed. "You did not holler so loud when I grabbed you by the beard in Moria."

"The sound of the orcs drown my yells," Gimli said. He took a step away from Elesia and the baby and straightened his beard.

"I've come to say my farewells. At least for a while," Legolas said.

"You've decided to leave us so soon?" Arwen asked.

"At the request of Gimli. Seems he cannot wait to walk beneath the trees of Fangorn again," Legolas said.

"That indeed is something to rush away for," Arwen said, grinning.

Elesia smiled as she listened to the old friends talk. To her they reminded her of brothers and sisters. She look down at Eldarion. He had a sibling on the way, and she counted him lucky. She had always wished she had brothers or sisters.

Eldarion reached out and grabbed the green stone around her neck. He gave it a hard tug and the necklace snapped. The stone fell to the floor. Elesia laughed and handed the baby back to Arwen. Legolas bent down and picked up the stone.

The stone glowed in his hand and his fist involuntarily closed around it.

For an instant their eyes met. Then all went dark. They both fell to the ground as if in deep sleep.

A cry escaped Gimli's lips, as he rushed to their aid. He tried prying the stone from Legolas's hand but to no avail. He called their names. But they lay still as if in dreams.

Legolas lay on the ground, his hand clenching the green stone. But he was not dreaming. In sequence, Elesia's memories were being relived in his mind. Legolas saw her lifetime of memories in a moment. Her childhood, the peaceful family farmhouse, the coming of the orcs, the move into the woods, the leaving of the men. Years of endless struggle to survive in a world where few even knew they existed. Quickly the years raced through his mind. Day by day, year by year, until the present. Through her memories he saw himself bend to pick up the stone. The second his hand touched it, he awoke.

Arwen was cradling Elesia's head in her lap, as she knelt on the floor between them.

"What in the name of Middle-Earth has bewitched the two of you?" Gimli asked, the worry in his voice obvious.

Legolas spoke. His voice was at a whisper "Her amulet, it's a connecting stone."

Gimli gasped in surprise and looked from Elesia to Legolas and back again.

"Are the stories they say about them true?" Gimli asked.

Legolas nodded.

"You relived her memories?" Gimli asked.

Legolas nodded.

"Not a fair trade for Elesia. She got more than her share," Arwen said, as she looked at her sleeping body.

"You were but asleep a little while," Gimli said. "But her life is short. You are an elf. If she has to relive your memories, she could be asleep for days."

"They are meant only for Elves. Men should not use them," Arwen said.

"I didn't realize the nature of the stone until it was too late," Legolas said.

"Come," Arwen said. "Let's take her to her room, until she awakens."

Legolas gently lifted Elesia off the ground and carried her in his arms. He and Gimli followed Arwen down the hall and into Elesia's guest room. Legolas lay Elesia down gently on the bed. Arwen examined her closely for some long minutes.

"Will she be all right?" Gimli asked.

"She will. I sense a great strength in her," Arwen said.

"I have seen her strength," Legolas said, his eyes never leaving her.

"Indeed you have," Arwen said. "She is lucky that it was you who touched the stone. You do not have yet the age of other elves. Those such as Celeborn or even one my brother's age would have been too much for her to take."

Legolas sat down on the chair beside the bed. And waited. And waited. The sun set and rose. One day passed. Then two. And still Elesia dreamed.

Elesia was bombarded with more years than she could absorb in a moment. Decades.centuries.piled upon one another in her mind. Flashes of people, places, histories, the endless procession of years. She saw things so horrible she had never dared imagine them in her dreams and saw things of such beauty that it made her want to cry. It was overwhelming and quite suddenly as it had begun, the connection was broken. She opened her eyes.

Legolas and Gimli were at her side. Gimli rushed to get Arwen.

Elesia sat up slowly, putting her head in her hands. After rubbing her eyes and gaining her composure, she looked up, her eyes caught Legolas and froze. And for a few long moments it was if she were looking into a mirror. A reflection of herself or him, she couldn't be sure. All she knew was that she couldn't look away.

Arwen and Gimli came into the room and stopped. To Gimli it was as if they were caught in a trance. But Arwen saw more. Their souls were as one. Confused, bouncing back and forth between their gazes as if looking for their true self.

Arwen approached Legolas and took his hand. "Legolas, Leave us. Let me care for her. Go with Gimli," Arwen said. Her words were soft and gentle. Legolas tore his gaze away from Elesia and followed Gimli from the room.

***************************

Legolas and Gimli retreated into their own room. Legolas walked to the window and stared out into the fading twilight.

"Tell me the story of the connecting stones," Gimli said. "I have only heard the whispers of legends and myth, nothing of fact."

Legolas stayed at the window while he spoke.

"The stories I have heard are only legend as well. I have never seen one of these stones until Elesia. They come from Valinor. Some say they are the remnants of stones that were used in creating the Silmarils. There are but a few of them in middle- earth and are used only seldom. They were used when an elf would pass to the Blessed Realm and leave a loved one behind. To keep the loved ones close as dreams no matter the distance until they met again in Valinor," Legolas said.

"Dreams? You will share dreams as well as memories?" Gimli asked.

Legolas nodded. "That is what they say. And tis true. For two nights I have seen Elesia, though she was sleeping, in my dreams," Legolas said.

"How long will this dream-sharing last?" Gimli said. "I should think it annoying to sleep and see you every night."

Legolas smiled.

"Only when both elves have traveled The Straight Way into the West and are reunited would the dreams stop. So strong is the power of the connecting stone that if one heeds the call and travels the Straight Way, the other must as well."

"But she is not elf, surely this stone should not have done anything," Gimli said.

"Because the stones were so highly guarded there is no record or tale of a man ever coming into contact with one," Legolas said.

"Until now," Gimli said. "What is to be done?"

"Of that I do not know. The stories say that once joined the connection lasts a lifetime," Legolas said.

**********************************

The moon rose, the stars danced their way across the sky, and Elesia lay still in her bed. Her eyes fixed on the ceiling. She would not fall asleep.

Arwen had left her a flowing silver robe, she slipped it over her shoulders and tiptoed down the hall. A guard was standing post at the door. He nodded at her respectfully as she walked out the doors into the garden. The air was cool and refreshing. She took a deep breath. She could smell flowers. She felt her cares fall away from her.

She wandered out from under trees, to have a clear view of the sky. The stars were crystal clear and brilliant, flickering. Covering the sky like a blanket. It was as if she were seeing them for the first time.

"No wonder the Entchildren left, if this was the view that awaited them," Elesia said, softly, to herself.

"They are beautiful, are they not," Legolas said. Elesia was startled at the sound of his voice. She looked around and found him. He lay stretched out on the grass, staring up at the sky. He started to get up but she stopped him.

"Please, I didn't mean to disturb you. I.I." she didn't finish her sentence. Ashamed to admit the reason she was walking the gardens in starlight was because she was afraid to fall asleep. "You are afraid of what our dreams will hold," Legolas said. He sat up, but did not stand.

She hung her head and nodded and sat down on a bench nearby.

"Even as I child, I did not fear my dreams," she said. "But.I did not have such a life as yours to haunt me."

Legolas was silent a long time. He listened to her words and understood. Memories long since passed to him, were but new to her. He did not blame her. In his time, he had been awaken by many nightmares both real and imagined.

"There are some things I thought I would have to carry alone through this life," he said. "It is a burden you should not have to share."

"It is no fault of yours." Elesia said. "I did not come here to place blame. My room is too confining for me and I wished to have the sky above me. This city, it is grand but I am of the open country. And it is what I long for."

Legolas considered her words. "I must travel to my father's realm first. But if you wish, you and Gimli may join me."

"I thought you wished to travel alone?" Elesia said.

"It seems as if, I shall never be alone, no matter if I wished it," Legolas said.

Elesia hung her head, as if blaming herself for their predicament.

Legolas reached over and took her hand in his.

"If nightmares should strike you," Legolas said. "You will not be alone."

She looked at him but said nothing. "Or is that part of what you fear as well?" he asked, gently.

She shook her head. "No, I fear losing myself in a sea of memories that are not my own."

"You are much too strong for that to happen," he said and then added almost to himself but loud enough for her to hear. "And stubborn."

"Stubborn?" she asked.

"If I recall correctly, there was a certain young girl who sat up in the branches of a tree for two days because she did not wish to bathe." Legolas said, with a teasing glance.

She straightened up in her seat defiantly, trying to defend her honor. "I was not the least bit dirty," she said. All seriousness was in her voice, but try as she might she couldn't keep the smile from creeping across her lips.

Legolas looked at her and smiled.

"This will not be easy if you insist on using my own memories as ammunition against me at every conversation." She said, her tone was gently mocking but Legolas took her words seriously.

"I carry your memories dear as treasures and no one shall hear a word of them.. .. .. but you," he said.

They held each others gaze for a long moment taking an unspoken vow of silence.

"Nor will I," she said and rose to leave.

Legolas stretched back out in the grass. Before she left the garden, Elesia turned back and said, "Besides, I doubt you would wish Gimli to know what foolish situation you got into in a certain cave in your youth. . . . . You were old enough to know better." She was smiling.

Legolas laughed out loud.

Elesia walked into the castle with the sound of Legolas laughter in her ears. She smiled to herself and walked into her room. Her room seemed big and empty. Even when alone, being outside made her feel as if she were not. There were the trees and the grass and the birds to keep her company. She almost envied Legolas' spot in the bed of soft grass.

She lay down on the bed. And much to her surprise, sleep came almost immediately. Soon after came the dreams.

She was in a forest. Her forest. Entville. But the gate and houses were gone. There were only the trees and the sky and mountains.

She heard soft footsteps and turned. A little boy, an elf, was running as fast as he could. His blonde hair flying out behind him. His arms were outstretched as he ran beneath the trees. The smile on his face seemed to contain all the joy of childhood. He stopped abruptly and looked up at the trees. He placed his ear to the bark and listened. His eyes widened and he began laughing. His laughter grew and grew.

"These trees." He said shaking his head as if he'd been told a great joke. "These trees!!"

And laughing, he dashed back up the trail and vanished.

The day dawned with a smile on Elesia's face.


Chapter 14 - Chapter 14

The day dawned and the sun shone down upon Gondor. Arwen watched as Legolas, Gimli, and Elesia rode away from the castle. In her heart there was a great worry. One which she could not explain. Aragorn joined her and wrapped his arms around her waist, as he gaze over her shoulder at the departing friends.

"You worry too much," he whispered into her ear.

Arwen smiled and turned to him. He tried to vanquish her concerns with a kiss. And though it did much to momentarily distract her, it did nothing to ease the burden in her heart.

Gimli knew nothing of Arwen's concerns. The day seemed as glorious a day as he had ever known. He was on the road, with friends and the sun was bright before him and a fresh stash of pipeweed was in the saddle bag beside him. He hummed a song under his breath as they rode. Legolas glanced over at him.

"You have spent too much time with hobbits. First, you take to smoking their pipe, now you start with their traveling songs." Legolas said. "If you insist on a second breakfast, I'm taking you directly to the Shire."

"I could use a second breakfast," Elesia said.

Gimli laughed. He did not quite understand what had taken place between them, but he liked the change. Elesia addressed them as dear old friends, exchanging retorts with the best of them. By her sudden knowledge of their traveling quirks and rituals, it seemed to Gimli as if she had been journeying with them for years.

At Aragorn's request they would travel north through the Wilderlands on their journey to Mirkwood to see how the land fared. Both Legolas and Gimli were delighted at the prospect of traveling a new road through Middle- Earth. Although, it was the same length in leagues as the other paths to the north, both Gimli and Legolas expected the journey to take longer, as the paths through Wilderland were not as well-worn. Stories about the dangers of the Wilderlands had been told for many an age. But the dangers were no greater than traveling any other road. Aragorn had told them simply to avoid those that lived within it's borders, as they tended to be a more private people and less likely to be hospitable to travelers.

Legolas and Gimli feared little as they began their first leg of the journey. But as the sun climbed across the sky, and they left the bustling city behind them, their hearts were filled with the memory of dread. To their right, in the distance were the northern boundaries of Mordor. The land was stark and open. Only a small layer of thin dying grass covered the rocky terrain that lead up to the dark angry mountains. And though, all evil had been removed, the land still held its memory.

As they set up camp, Elesia stared long at the distant peaks. Despite the warmth of the air, she shivered.

"Your family suffered much at the hands of the evil that dwelt there," Elesia said.

Legolas nodded. "On warm summer nights, my father is filled with the horrors of Mordor. What nightmares still haunt him so many ages later, I cannot but guess. But the evil that resided within those mountains has been a plague upon my people since the second age."

Gimli quietly sat listening to his story. On all his journeys with Legolas, he had only heard pieces of the tale that was told.

"Oropher, my father's father, was slain in the first assault upon Mordor, when his forces joined those of Gil-Galad as they tried to defeat Sauron. When the battle ended, my father lived. But only a third of those Oropher had lead into battle still stood. It was the darkest night for the people of my father's realm. He took the throne, but it was not the joyful crowning he had expected but one in sorrow for Oropher was a wise and gentle king."

"So you never knew him?" Elesia asked.

Legolas shook his head. "No. I have only heard tales of his great deeds."

"And like your father, and his father, you were sent to battle," Elesia said.

"My father said a shadow was in his heart. For he knew that one day evil would return. So many were lost in the last battle, my father dare not make the same mistake that his father made long ago. I alone was sent from my father's realm to Elrond to offer my assistance. But it was chance and fate that lead me to Mordor," Legolas said.

It was not until that moment, that Gimli realized Legolas had not expected to return from his journey when the fellowship had left Rivendell so long ago. He stared upon Legolas with a newfound understanding and respect. They camped for the evening and fell into an uneasy dreamless sleep.

The day dawned and they left the mountains of Mordor in the distance. Yesterday's dread was quickly forgotten as the grasses slowly grew in size until they were riding through thick meadows. The meadows became rolling hills. And the hills dotted with trees and forests. And so the days past in an easy companionship. As dreams go, their's were like many others, nonsensical and blurred, half-remembered upon awakening. For many days they could smell the grapes from the vineyards of Dorwinion that lay many leagues to the east. And the rolling plains eventually lead down to the river Celduin and the road that went beside the forest of Mirkwood.

As soon Legolas could see Mirkwood in the distance a joy filled his heart. So strong were his memories of Mirkwood, that even Elesia felt as if she knew the woods. Both Elesia and Gimli could see the subtle change in his step and the tone in his voice as he recounted tale after tale of Mirkwood. Most of which Elesia knew herself, but she listened anyway, and sifted through the memories until she could finish the tales that he did not wish to.

It had been decided that Gimli and Elesia would ride on to Lake Town to replenish their supplies, while Legolas rode onto Thranduil's realm. And so after many days, they parted ways. Legolas took off towards the west and Gimli and Elesia rode towards the east.

*******************************

As Legolas approached him, Thranduil could sense something had changed. He could not place what was different but he knew that Legolas had news to tell. Thranduil embraced his son in a warm hug. It had been a little over a year since Legolas and Gimli had come to Mirkwood and though elves live eternal lives, a year was still too long an absence for Thranduil.

Thranduil was ever one for getting directly to the matter at hand. "You have come to say goodbye," he stated rather than asked.

Legolas merely nodded. "I know not when I shall leave, but I within a year I must go. The call of the sea has become to great."

"It is as I expected," Thranduil said. "I knew your path would not be in Mirkwood. Even as child your dreams were of far off distant lands."

"But I never tire of these woods. I shall miss them, more than words can say," Legolas said.

"Tis only because you grew up beneath them, not because of anything else. Had you grown up in the mines of Moria you would pine over them in your absence," Thranduil said.

"I think perhaps you confuse me with a certain dwarf companion," Legolas said.

Thranduil laughed. "How is Master Gimli? Long it has been since he has graced our caverns with his song."

"Gimli is well. He will meet me here in a weeks time. We are traveling on a matter of some interest, involving trees," Legolas said.

"Trees? Indeed that dwarf gets stranger with every story told of him. Soon there will be songs that he was no dwarf at all merely a very short elf," Thranduil said.

Legolas laughed.

Thranduil looked long into his sons eyes. Something had changed. Legolas' laugh was freer than it had ever been. Thranduil could only come to one conclusion that would cause such a change in his son.

"You have found someone?" Thranduil said. "I see it in your eyes and feel it in your presence."

"It is not as you think," Legolas said.

Legolas told his father the story of the connecting stones. Thranduil was quiet a long time.

"Of them, I have only heard stories. I pity your Elesia, you crowding her dreams every night." Thranduil said.

"The dreams are quite. . pleasant," Legolas said.

Thranduil raised his eyebrows at his son. "Or perhaps you have found someone and do not yet want to admit it?"

"I have found friendship. Nothing more," Legolas said.

"And that is what I used to say about your mother," Thranduil said, and laughed.

His laughter soon ceased as he look at his son. Legolas look much like his mother. Thranduil had been without her for near 2000 years and not a day passed that his heart did not ache for her. Yet he knew they would be reunited one day beyond the sea. Thranduil knew well the consequences that await Legolas should his feelings go beyond friendship. It would not be easy. But he also knew it folly to give warning to his son.

"You are never satisfied unless you walk the hardest road," Thranduil said.

Legolas shrugged, much like he did as an infuriating elven youth. "Why walk on level ground when the mountain paths have such a lovely view?"

Thranduil shook his head at his son, both exasperated and proud.

"Over 3000 years of worry, I have put into you," Thranduil said. "In some ways, it will be a relief to know you have left Middle- Earth. At least then, I will know you are safe."

Legolas smiled. Thranduil put his arm around his son and they walked into the woods.


Chapter 15 - Chapter 15

For a week, Legolas stayed within his father's realm, walking the forests of his youth. He was within his father's great hall when the news of Elesia's and Gimli's arrival in Mirkwood was brought to Thranduil.

As they were brought before the king, the elves in the hall held back a laugh. For both Elesia and Gimli looked more fit to be in a pig sty than to be greeting an elven king.

They were covered in a thick coating of mud, which seemed to have dried to their skin and their traveling clothes. They smelt of the lake. And looked as if they had just been pulled up from its depths.

Forgetting all sense of propriety, Legolas rushed to them, demanding an explanation.

"What has happened?" Legolas asked.

Gimli and Elesia said nothing, only glared at one another.

Thranduil watched the dwarf and the mortal in a battle of wills, and smiled. Amused and astonished at how things turned out. In all his years, he never would have guessed he would see such a sight within his own realm. When Legolas had told him of Elesia, Thranduil had imagined a woman well into adulthood, not the young mortal that stood before him. Though, he suspected her older than she look, she was still young enough to carry the sparkle of youth in her eyes and in her step. Thranduil could see why Legolas thought highly of her. There was something appealing with mortals who still looked upon the world with the wonder of new eyes.

Neither Elesia nor Gimli spoke. Legolas approached them, "What evil has befallen you on the road?"

"It was caused not by me, but by Gimli and a certain Elf the last time they visited Lake Town," Elesia said, giving Legolas a pointed glare.

"They remembered you?" Legolas asked Gimli. "It was well over a year ago and most dwarves look alike, at least to mortal eyes, I believed it would be safe for you to enter Lake Town again." "As did I," Gimli said, grumbling. "But their memories are longer than most."

"We were run out of town by a mad mob," Elesia said. "We are lucky we have our skins."

"They threw all manner of things as us, as we ran from the city streets," Gimli said.

"And swam the lake," Elesia reminded him.

Thranduil could not help but laugh. During Legolas and Gimli's last visit they had heard the story of how the boarding house in Lake Town caught fire, though it had been long debated whether the fire was caused my Master Gimli's pipe or by Legolas tending the fire. The debate began anew. In the midst of their discussion, Elesia's eyes caught Thranduil's, and a smile of recognition broke over her face. Thranduil smiled in return.

Elesia approached him, feeling as if he was her own kin. As if remembering he did not know her, she stopped, uncertainly. Sensing her unease, he took the last few steps between him.

"Elesia. I fear you know me better than I know you," Thranduil said.

"All I know is how dear you are to Legolas," Elesia said.

"I know that you are dear to him as well. And that is enough for me to greet you as one of my own." Thranduil said and took her hand in his. "But there will be time for stories later. I know you will wish to wash away the weariness of travel."

Elesia nodded.

"I shall escort her to her room," Legolas said.

As they walked along the cavern halls, Elesia thought they were more beautiful than in memories. Though the walls were of a grey rock, they contained all manner of crystal that shimmered and sparkled under the candle-lit hallways.

Legolas eyes cut over at her as they walk through the caverns.

"It can easily be said, that no one, in all my father's years of leadership, has greeted him in such a fashion," Legolas said.

She looked at him worried. "I am sorry. If I have done anything to disgrace him...."

Legolas stilled her worries with a laugh. "It is a blessing. Laughter has been too long absent from his lips. It was a joy to hear. I thank you for it."

"It was not the introduction I had envisioned," she grumbled.

As they walked along the hallways, several elves passed them. They said nothing, but their eyes held astonishment, at the mud- covered mortal and the prince of Mirkwood strolling through the caverns as if it were an every day occurrence.

Legolas turned down a short hallway with several doors. He stopped at the first door and unlocked it. He looked down at her.

"Sleep well. I shall be in the far hall.. ." Legolas said, but Elesia interrupted him.

"I know where your room is."

Legolas smiled. "Of course. You know these halls as well as I. You did not need my escort at all."

"I may not have needed it, but I enjoyed it," Elesia said.

"Ah, then my time was not wasted," he said.

"My mother used to say that the time you enjoyed wasting was not wasted time." She seldom talked of her mother, and Legolas knew how much she missed her still.

"Then I have never wasted a moment when I have been within your company," Legolas said. "I would enjoy wasting time with you all evening talking at your door. but..." he reached out a hand and took a lock of her muddied hair in his hands. "But. . . . . alas, I fear I will have to spend my evening alone. . . for it will take some hours to lift the mud of Lake Town from your hair." His eyes were full of amusement.

"Our dreams will have to suffice for your evening entertainment," she said.

"I look forward to them," he said. And left her to her room.

She walked inside. It was a small room. Inside it was a bubbling natural hot spring. The rooms had already been prepared and a dress of elven material lay on the small bed.

After soaking and washing away what she decided had to be half of the mud that was upon the banks of the lake, she slipped on the gown and went directly to bed.

Her dreams were not peaceful.

It was night, she was on a high wall. Alone. She looked out over the edge of the wall but could see nothing because of the darkness. There was a foul smell on the wind. Thunder rang out, echoing along unseen mountains and the sky lit up. She gasped, for in the brief moment of daylight she saw what lay before her. The ground below her was crawling with orcs. Too many to count, racing towards the wall. She looked around helplessly, the lighting lit up the sky, and at the far end of the wall she could see someone. Legolas. But there was no one else to aid them. Two against the mass of orcs that were scrambling towards them.

The orcs raised ladder after ladder, scrambling up the steep walls in their attack.

She ran along the wall, trying to find a means of escape but there was none. The orcs were too many. She heard their foul voices as they grabbed at her legs as she ran. She approached Legolas. He stood his ground on the top of the wall, shooting arrow after arrow at the oncoming orcs. Until he reached back for an arrow and grasp only the air. His eyes met hers and they ran. But they could not escape. An orc grabbed her from behind and she fell from the wall into the awaiting hands of the orcs below.

She screamed. And sat straight up in the bed. She was shaking, her breath coming in ragged gasps. It was a long minute before she could still her racing heart or even fully awaken from the terror of her dreams.

The candle beside her bed had burned down low. She picked it up and left the room. When she had last seen Legolas, he had been running along the top of the wall. She did not wish for him to stay in the clutches of the nightmare any longer than possible.

The cavern hallways were deserted at this time of night. Her footsteps made little sound as she walked purposefully down the hallway until she came to his room. She opened the door slowly and stepped inside.

For a moment, she watch him. He seemed to be younger in his sleep. More like the elven boy running through the trees of her dreams, than the battle- hardened elf he was in daylight.

But he was trapped in the nightmare of Helm's Deep. His eyes were unblinking, the expression on his face one of horror. Words she did not understand whispered under his breath, as he fought foes in his dreams. She sat down on the edge of the bed and leaned over him, shaking him gently.

He did not awake. Instead, her touch caused him to spring to life, fighting her as he would an orc. He grabbed her wrists and squeezed them roughly causing her to unclench her hands, as if forcing her to drop some invisible weapon.

"Legolas!" she said.

He stared at her as if seeing her for the first time. And realizing his error, let her go. He ran a hand over his eyes and shook himself out of his nightmare.

She backed away from the bed and sat down on a small stool, rubbing her wrists. The red imprint of his fingers stood out in stark contrast against her pale skin.

As if finally realizing his mistake he rose from the bed and rushed to kneel in front of her. He took her hands in his and inspected them closely.

"Forgive me.. . . I did not know," Legolas said. "We have a great healer here, I will awake him at once." Legolas rose but he put a hand on his arm to stop him.

"Legolas, no harm was done to me," she said. "Though, I have to say, I have never been mistaken for an orc. Perhaps in my mud- covered state, I could understand it, but I am perfectly clean now." A small smile spread across her face.

"You are certainly no orc." He said. She felt his gaze wander down the length of her body. She blushed. For the first time since awakening, she realize she had only on a thin elvish sleeping gown.

She stood abruptly.

"I should go. Though, I don't think I'll be doing any more sleeping this night," Elesia said, as she walked to the door.

He considered her words a moment, and said, "Then may I show you something?"

"Of course."

She follow Legolas down the hallways into a long low room used for storage. He weaved his way around barrels and crates will with various supplies until he reached the far corner of the room. The roof of the cavern was so low it grazed the top of Legolas' head. He reached to the ceiling and moved a piece of wood that had been covering a small hole in the cavern.

Elesia gazed up into it's depths.

"What is up there?" she asked.

Legolas said nothing. He lifted her high enough through the hole that she could pull herself up and then quickly vaulted up behind her. The cave was small, barely 3 paces wide and the roof and walls had small holes that allowed the moonlight to peak through. The cave walls were completely covered in crystals of all shapes and sizes. Elesia ran her hand along the jagged edges of the wall. In the darkness, she could barely make out their shapes.

"It was because of this room that my father delved caverns here," Legolas said, as they sat down on the smooth cold floor.

"For this one room?" Elesia said.

Legolas nodded. "It was my mother's favorite. Oropher's kingdom had been in the forest and my father had grown up within the trees. But my mother and he would meet in this cave to watch the sunrise. They had been close since they were children." Legolas said.

"You have no memory of your mother," Elesia said.

"She died when I was a baby, when the darkness first came to Mirkwood and orcs ran freely through the trails," Legolas said.

They sat in silence as the cold grey dawning first began to lighten the sky. Sunrise was not far off.

"What happens at sunrise?" she asked.

"I do not know," he said. "I have never seen it from this room."

"Never?" she asked, turning to him.

"It is a sight meant to be shared and there was no one who knew me well enough to accompany me," Legolas explained.

He reached over and took her hand as the sun began to peak over the horizon. As the sun rose, it's rays shone through the slits in the side of the cave. The light bounced off one crystal after another, illuminating the walls in a rainbow of color. The room was soaked in a rosy glow and it seemed as if the very air was alight. As the sun continued its climb into the sky, the colors in the cave changed from red to orange to yellow to deep green before fading back to normal.

Legolas and Elesia watched in speechless wonder. They were so entranced by the vision before them that they did not see nor hear Thranduil below them.

Unknown to Legolas, Thranduil came to the cave every morning. As he peaked through the hole into the room above him, it was as if he were gazing into the past and for a moment he could see the young elf he used to be so very long ago. It was the first morning that he had not seen the sunrise from that cave, since his wife had died nearly 3000 years ago. Thranduil sighed heavily, a sad smile upon his face as he retreated from the cave and left the two alone.

***************************

The week they spent in Mirkwood was a happy one. Gimli inspected the new caverns his dwarves had recently completed in honor of Lady Arwen's coming visit. They surpassed his wildest imaginings and the elves were endlessly amused at his suggestions and enthusiasm.

Legolas spent the days within the company of his father. They exchanged old tales, both happy and sad as they walk beneath the forests they knew and loved so well.

The dawns belonged to Elesia. She and Legolas would meet every morning before the sun's first rays hit the cave. The wonder of the sunrise cavern banished their nightmares.

As goodbyes go, their parting was a happy one.

Thranduil kissed Elesia on the cheek and handed her a package.

"It is an elvish cloak. Winter is fast approaching. It will protect you from wind and cold and rain. Though hopefully, my son will steer you clear of all of these," Thranduil said.

Thranduil turned to Gimli and said, "Be well, Master Gimli, may you walk as elf-friend wherever your path leads you."

Gimli bowed low. Elesia and Gimli retreated to their horses to give father and son an opportunity to say goodbye.

Thranduil did seem relieved that his son would sail beyond the sea and be reunited with his mother. Legolas had been only a child when she left for Valinor and Thranduil wished her to see the grown elf he had become.

"Tell your mother that I watch the sunrise every morning with her in my thoughts," Thranduil said.

"I will not." Legolas said. "There is no need. She knows how deep your love is for her, without my inadequate words."

"Say it anyway," Thranduil said.

Legolas nodded. "As you command it, my king," he said and bowed.

Thranduil laughed, Legolas was never so formal with him and only used the term king in jest. "I look forward to our meeting in Valinor."

"As do I," Legolas said.

"Though I hope I will still see the same joy in your eyes as I see now." Thranduil said. He reached up and placed his hands on his sons cheeks and leaned in kissing them. It was a display of affection typically used for elven children and Legolas could not remember the last time his father had done so. Their final goodbye was the elvish words of parting.

"May your journey be one of discovery," Thranduil said.

"Between the river and the tree until we meet again." Legolas said. It was the last spoken words between father and son upon Middle-Earth. He climbed atop his horse and rode swiftly down the road of Mirkwood with Elesia and Gimli and gazed no more upon his childhood home again.


Chapter 16 - Chapter 16

For four days they rode through Mirkwood. Legolas rode quietly, his eyes trained not on the path before him, but the trees around them. He burned the images of those trees into his mind. As they left the trees behind them, a weight lifted from Legolas's heart. The open plains were all that lay between them and Fangorn. The sweeping tall grasses that rippled in the winds reminded Legolas of the sea.

The day was cool and fair. The strong winds of autumn had arrived and the few trees that littered the plains were changing colors. They rode at a leisurely pace, slower or faster depending on the lay of the land and the rate of their conversations.

Gimli was smoking his pipe, as they rode. Elesia watched the smoke drift in lazy circles around his head.

"I should like to try that," Elesia said.

"My pipe?" Gimli asked. "I have never seen a woman smoke a pipe."

"Then I will be the first. I have often wondered what pleasure could be had from lighting a leaf on fire," Elesia said.

"It is one of Middle-Earth's greatest mysteries," Gimli said.

He leaned from his horse and handed her the pipe. She looked at it and tentatively took a puff. She immediately regretted it. Coughs wracked her body. Gimli nearly fell off his horse from laughing. Even Legolas could not keep a smile from his lips.

"You children," Legolas said, smiling. "My father told me I should not have befriended so many mortals."

"Your father is a wise man," Elesia said.

Legolas looked over at her, surprised at her words. "You agree with him?" he asked.

She nodded. "It isn't fair for an elf to watch friends grow old and die and you stay the same," she said. "I would not be able to do it."

"Truly? But you have had to say goodbye to so many already," Legolas said.

"Yes, but one day I will die too and that is a comfort," Elesia said. "You. . . on the other hand, will have to live with their loss forever. I could not do it."

"It is worth it," Legolas said.

Elesia smiled at him sadly. "I would ask you that again in a 1,000 years but I will not be here to do it. Nor even in 100 years."

Legolas froze. A look of horror crossed his face, as he realized the truth of her words. If Elesia saw this look, she said nothing, for her eyes lit- up remembering something long forgotten by Legolas.

"At 100 years old. . .you were . . ."

She looked to Legolas for permission to tell the story. He nodded, too consumed with his own thoughts to even pay attention.

"At 100 years old. . .Legolas was still mastering the art of the bow and arrow and avoiding the gaze of a certain young elvish maiden," Elesia said, her eyes twinkling.

"I should have loved to have seen that!" Gimli said.

Their laughter rang out across the plain. But Legolas gave no notice of it. 100 years. It was barely enough time for anything. He watched Elesia as if seeing her for the first time.

They stopped for the night beside a small lake, that was fed by a river who's origins began far within the Misty Mountains. Legolas walked the perimeter of their campsite. His footsteps took him to the edge of the lake. He look out at the crystal waters but he did not see them. His mind was a conflict of emotion.

For most elves, mortals were a harmless curiosity. But for the first time in his life, Legolas understood mortality. It's desperation and it's beauty. Constant battles with oneself to make the most of every moment, knowing that time was slipping away.

Legolas realized that Thranduil was right, he did take the hardest road. And as he listened to Gimli and Elesia's voices on the wind, he knew that perhaps this would be the hardest road of all. For the first time in many years, he was genuinely afraid, because he knew their goodbyes would be forever. There would be no happy reunion in Valinor.

"Her words trouble you more than you let on," Gimli said, as he approached him.

"It is not enough time," Legolas said, his eyes staring out at the moonlight reflecting on the water.

"There is never enough time for one who is not an elf," Gimli said. "You knew I was mortal, yet you befriended me, and have become closer than my own brother. What has changed?"

"I did not understand," Legolas said. "I called you a child and yet, I did not even understand the meaning of goodbye until this very moment. Who is the child now?"

Gimli sighed as he look at his friend. "Long years do not guarantee wisdom. Be grateful to have lived in ignorance so long." Legolas said nothing, but looked at his friend as if awaiting an explanation.

"I know there are caverns yet to be explored that I will never see, but I do not dwell over them. I am happy for every one that I did see," Gimli said. "Do not think of the years of goodbye before they have even arrived. There will be all eternity for that."

"And a great fear is rising in my heart for that day." Legolas said. "Heeding the call of the sea will be harder than I had expected."

"Affection grows in your heart for her," Gimli stated, not asked.

"Even I am not sure of the stirrings of my heart," Legolas said. "But it grieves me to think of leaving her or you alone upon the shores of Middle- Earth."

"Elves," Gimli said, shaking his head. "You are all the same. You even manage to make your sadness sound like song. Come my friend, come warm yourself at the fire."

Gimli took out his pipe and lit it. "If Elves took more pleasure in the smallest things in life, they would be a happier lot. Look at me? I will not live forever. But do you see me crying about it?"

A small smile crept across Legolas lips as he followed Gimli back to the fire.

As the days past, it seemed to Gimli that Legolas' took his advice. Instead of dwelling over the future, Legolas spent long hours within their company singing songs of the forest and recounting tales long since past. Gimli had never heard so many words come from the elf's mouth in all the years he had known him. He laughed more, sang more, and was generally more annoying that he had ever been. Gimli delighted in every moment.

They approached the forests of Fangorn well before noon. As they entered the dark and menacing woods, it seemed that the very trees stare down at them as they rode along the dirt path. The forest was quiet as the sun filtered through the branches of the trees. It had been decided they would camp at Treebeard's Hill, assuming it would be the easiest way to locate Treebeard.

Well before sundown, they arrived at Treebeard's Hill and climbed up the rocky embankment, where once long ago, they had been reunited with Gandalf. Even these years later, Gimli still wondered how they could not have recognized him.

Perched atop the rocks, Elesia, Legolas, and Gimli could look out over the forest canopy. But they saw nothing but trees as far as the eye could see. So they waited. And waited. The sunset. The moon rose.

As they sat around the campfire, they were careful to use only limbs that had fallen. In the chill autumn breeze, the trees seemed to lean in to warm their branches over it.

"I do not understand it," Gimli said. "We did not have such a time waiting for Treebeard the last time we were within these woods."

"These woods are large, perhaps he has yet to make it to us," Legolas said.

Gimli considered it. "Or perhaps he is with us already and we do not know it." He reached to his pack and grabbed the staff of wood which was wrapped in cloth. Gimli unwrapped it. "If he sees this, maybe he will make himself known." With great respect, Gimli slowly unwrapped the wooden staff and held it in his hands. "I bring you the Entwives." Gimli bowed at the nearest tree.

The forest fell into a complete silence. Legolas, Gimli, and Elesia looked up at the trees. They exchanged worried glances and rose to their feet. A soft sound, like a gentle breeze, fluttered through the trees. But there was no wind. The gentle breeze quickly turned into a gale, as the trees whipped and shook, coming alive around them. Their horses bolted into the darkness.

"I think you should have waited for Treebeard," Elesia said.

"I think you may be right," Gimli said.

Legolas stood still, gazing up at the trees in wonder. His wonder turned to terror as he realized the seriousness of their predicament.

Legolas and Gimli had only heard tales from Merry and Pippin. of the furious wrath of the Huorns and Ents. The tales had always fascinated Legolas and he'd listened to story of the battle of Isengard several times. Merry and Pippin had always said, they were thankful they were on the side of the Ents for they would never want that kind of power turned against them. But now, Legolas realized that is exactly what happening.

The trees and branches closed in around them. The wide path they had been following through the forest was suddenly blocked by trees and thorny branches. The crackling of moving bark was deafening. It seemed as if the whole forest was moving in on their location. Roots pushed up the ground around them, grabbing at their clothes.

A long root wrapped around Elesia's cloak, pulling it from her, while another ripped Legolas bow and arrows from his back. Elesia struggled to keep the roots away from her. And she heard Gimli curse under his breath as limbs began raining down from the sky.

Branches swung wildly down towards them. They ducked and lay flat on the ground to avoid a large leafy branch as it raked over their backs.

"Treebeard's Hill!!" Gimli said.

They staggered to their feet and ran towards Treebeard's Hill. Gimli scrambled up first, he was half way up, when Legolas and Elesia made their run for the Hill. As Elesia climbed a few feet off the ground with Legolas just behind her, she could see Gimli scrambling to the top of the rocks high above her

Legolas watched in horror as a huge limb swung towards them. He grabbed Elesia by the back of the clothes and pulled her from the rock, as the limb swung passed, missing them by inches. She fell back against his chest, and they tumbled backwards from the rock face. Legolas braced himself for the fall, but they did not hit the ground. A thousand limbs surrounded them. Wrapped around them. Legolas had only enough time to put his arms around Elesia's waist before they were completely overtaken in darkness.

With their bodies pinned, they move little. They could see nothing but darkness. All sounds were muffled, except those of the rustling tree limbs surrounding them. Elesia could sense they were moving. They were jarred roughly and bounced around carelessly. Occasionally, they hit up against another branch with enough force to knock the breath out of them both. Elesia cringed and tried to calm her fears. She turned her thoughts to anything other than the horrible darkened tree-tomb. Elesia could feel the quick rise and fall of Legolas's chest against her back. His shifted his arms around her slightly and managed to move enough until his hands found hers. He intertwined his fingers around hers. She held onto them.

His head rested on her shoulder, she could feel his breath on her ear. He whispered softly, in Elvish:

"A! Elbereth Gilthoniel!
Silivren penna miriel
O menel aglar elenath,
Gilthoniel, A! Elbereth!
To the sea, to the sea! The white gulls are crying
The wind is blowing and the white foam is flying
Long are the wave on the Last Shore falling
Sweet are the voices in the Lost Isle calling."

Elesia closed her eyes and as she listened to his quiet half-singing voice, she could see the sea before her. She forgot where she was, and time seemed to stand still, as she imagined they stood on the shore staring at the endless expanse of blue waves.

How far they traveled, Legolas could not guess. When just as quickly and abruptly as the journey began, it ended. The trees were still. Elesia jarred out of her day-dream, gripped Legolas' hands tightly.

The branches loosened from around them and they fell to the ground with a thud. They opened their eyes to find themselves well beyond the boundaries of the forest. Fangorn was a line of trees, small in the distance.

"Are you all right?" Legolas asked Elesia as she stiffly got up from the ground. She nodded. They both were covered in bark and twigs, tangled in their hair and their clothes.

"Yes, I think so." before Elesia could finish her sentence, Legolas rose to his feet and marched towards the tree line in the distance.

"Stop, Legolas," she said, running along beside him. He continued running purposely towards the trees. His eyes never wavered, or scarcely bothering to look in her direction.

She rushed to get in front of him and stopped, putting her hands on his chest as if she could physically keep him from going. She took a few staggering steps backwards until he stopped. He kept his eyes fixed on the trees in the distance.

"No matter your strength, you cannot take on an entire forest," Elesia said.

Legolas froze, silent determination on his face. "I must find him," he said. "I will not leave this forest without him."

>From his expression, Elesia decided that Legolas knew more than he had said.

"You saw Gimli, before the roots overtook us?" she asked.

Only then did Legolas tear his gaze from the trees and look down at her. His eyes were filled with tears.

"What did you see?" she said, afraid of what his answer would be.

Legolas said nothing and looked back towards the trees. His jaws clenched in grief and rage. She reached a hand up to his face, gently forcing him to look down at her and asked, "What did you see?"

"I saw him take such a hit from the top of Treebeard's Hill, that no man nor dwarf could escape without being seriously wounded.. or worse," Legolas said.

Without saying a word, Elesia wrapped her arms around him. He instinctively pulled her in close. His arms tightened around her. She could feel the tension running through his body and knew he was fighting the urge to rush into those woods. But slowly he sighed and relaxed against her, resting his chin atop her head. He took a deep breath. His hands drifted down her back and rested on her waist. He loosened his grip enough to stare down at her, but he did not let her go.

"I must find Treebeard," Legolas said, before she could protest he added. "If I travel along the boundaries of the forest I may be able to find him."

"We."

He looked at her confused.

"We must find Treebeard," she corrected.

They spent the rest of the day, gathering together what little was left of their supplies. They found their horses, waiting beyond the forest, grazing in the tall grasses of the wide plains. Legolas called to them and they returned, though Elesia's lacked her saddle bags that it had before. All of their provisions for the trip were lost, except for a single bag of lembas they found near the edge of the forest. Legolas spent hours walking along the plains searching for his bow, but it was nowhere to be found. He had only his knives for protection and though he could use them well, he did not feel comfortable without a bow within easy reach. By sunset they were exhausted. They sat together eating lembas and watching the sun sink low into the horizon.

After having taken care of important matters, both turned their attention to the simply annoying ones. Each began pulling out twigs from their hair. It was not an easy task and both were wincing at the efforts. Elesia quickly untangled her own, pulling it back into a tight braid, lest the trees should get angry again.

"I would not believe that something so small, could cause such a problem," Elesia said, as she stare at the small pile of twigs she had pulled from her hair.

"You would be surprised. I have found the smaller the thing, the more dangerous it may be," Legolas said, as he worked at untangling his own hair.

"Then let us hope that our small friend, is as dangerous as may be in the company of trees," Elesia said.

"I hope you are right," he said, and then grimaced, giving up on his hair completely.

Elesia smile and walk over to him. "You may be an elf, but I am a girl, and we grow up knowing how to take care of such things," Elesia said, as she sat down behind him. With gentle hands she began to untangle his hair.

"Truth be told, I would sooner have my hair in hobbit fashion, though I would be the disgrace of my kind if I did so," Legolas said. "Orcs are forever grabbing at it in battle."

She laughed and the sound echoed into the forest.

"You find my confessions amusing?" Legolas asked, glancing over his shoulder at her.

"Very. I would not have guessed an elf would give much thought to hair," Elesia said.

"For elves, who have all the time of eternity, every subject has been thoroughly pondered. Including hair," Legolas said.

And so they spent the evening in light-hearted conversation, for neither had the heart to speak of any more. The cares and worries that concerned them both, did not need to be spoken, but could easily be seen in the gazes between them.


Chapter 17 - Chapter 17

The day dawned. They took to their horses at day break and began the slow ride along the borders of the forest. They rode close enough to the edge of the woods to hear the winds rustle the leaves, but not close enough to be within grasp of a branch or limb. They rode slowly, saying little, stopping often for Legolas to study the ground or to listen to the wind. For long minutes he would stand and stare into the leafy branches. It was tedious work, and as the hours dragged on, their worry for Gimli grew. By days end, Legolas admitted that he could feel no presence, evil or otherwise, nearby. In a fit of impatience, Elesia yelled at the top of her voice, "TREEBEARD!!!!!!" The birds flew into the air and for a moment Legolas believed he heard something deep within the woods. But the forest settled back into silence and they moved on. They kept up their slow search long past sundown, until the last light of the sun had vanished.

As the moon began to rise, the winds shifted and blew down cold gusts from the mountains. The nights were getting colder. Elves needed little protection against the elements. Sun, rain, or snow, bothered them little and they were as happy in the cold as they were in the depths of summer. Elesia, however, was not an elf and was gathering branches at the edge of the wood.

"Do not," Legolas said. "I fear to enrage the Ents anymore than need be."

Elesia sat down beside him. He handed her a lembas. She unwrapped it and nibbled at the wafer. Its flavor was beyond describing. In one bite she would swear it both sweet and salty, both flaky and moist. As most things elvish, it was a puzzle. Legolas patrolled the area, while she lay down to sleep. The wind blew across the plains and she shivered, mentally cursing the Ents that pulled the Elvish cloak from her shoulders. After surveying the area around them, Legolas could sense no danger and returned to the camp. He lay on the ground and stare up at the sky and drifted off to sleep. Dreams overtook them.

The sea spread out before Legolas. He stared long at the waters. It was a sight that spoke to him like no other. The sea demanded his attention, engulfing all of his senses at once. The roar of the waves. The distinct smell of the salt water. The spray of the sea as it hit his face. And the horizon, so endless. But even with his elvish sight he could not see nor guess what the lands of Valinor held.

As he stare out at he water, snow began to fall. He reached out a hand, catching a few flakes in his palm. In all his dreams of the sea, there had never been any with snowfall. Confused, he looked along the beach. Elesia was sitting in the sand, her knees pull up to her chest, as she stared out at the water. Trembling. Legolas woke and looked over at her. Elesia was still asleep. She was curled in a tight ball, shivering in the cold. Legolas cursed himself under his breath and approached her.

He walked over and sat down beside her. She awoke. "Is something wrong?" she asked, looking around warily.

"Yes," Legolas said. "You are freezing."

"Is that all?" she said and yawned. "I thought it something important.like orcs or Ents or whatever manner of creature wishes to attack us next."

"Cold can harm as easily as an arrow," Legolas said.

"Do not worry yourself." Elesia closed her eyes but Legolas was insistent.

"Since you have been deprived of your cloak, I shall take its place," Legolas said.

She looked at him, trying to decide whether to be amused or infuriated. But in his eyes she saw true concern and worry.

He sighed. "I could do nothing to save Gimli, but I will not stand by and let the cold claim you. I forget how fragile life is for those who are not elves," Legolas said.

"I suppose you would be a more comfortable bed than the hard ground," Elesia said, as she scoot over beside him.

A look of satisfaction spread across his face and he held his arms open for her. She hesitated only a moment, before she settled into his embrace, her head fitting nicely into the crook of his shoulder. The cold wind blew and she shivered as he wrapped his arms more closely around her. The heat from his body warmed her and slowly she relaxed. Though it was not easy. She was all too aware of his body against hers. She could feel the gentle rise and fall of his chest. His slow even breaths. The strength in his arms as they held her. And a comforting smell of earth and sky that she could only describe as elvish. She opened her eyes briefly to adjust her position and noticed his unclosed eyes. She stared at them for a long time.

"What bothers you?"

"It is... nothing," she said.

"Do not lie. Am I not as comfortable as you had hoped?" he asked, amused.

"No... you are quite comfortable. It is foolish."

"Nothing you could say would be foolish," Legolas said, looking down at her.

"It is your eyes," she finally admitted. "I can not sleep, feeling you stare at me all night."

Legolas held back a laugh. "With that, I am afraid I can not help you. It would be like asking you not to breathe for the rest of the evening. . . . . Besides, I can think of no better view to fall asleep to than your face." He gazed long into her eyes.

He touched her face, tracing the line of her jaw with his hand, and tucked a piece of stray hair behind her ear. His fingers followed the soft contours of her ear. She shivered at the touch and reached up to take his hand in hers. Their fingers intertwined.

"This was all that saved me from madness when we were caught within the roots," Elesia said, as she squeezed his hand gently.

"If that is all it takes to comfort you, I would have taken your hands in mine long ago," Legolas said.

The wind blew and he pulled her closer and they drifted off to sleep. Legolas woke with the dawn. He looked down at Elesia, curled up beside him. Her head was resting on his chest, her fingers gripped the front of his tunic.

He sighed and looked up at the sky. But the sky was not above him. He was beneath a tree. He gently shook Elesia awake and felt her body tense as she gazed at the tree above them.

"So you finally awaken, little masters." A loud almost hollow- sounding voice said.

Legolas stared into the branches gravely and stood up facing the trunk of the tree they were sleeping beneath.

"Treebeard. I must explain," Legolas said.

Elesia realized with a gasp that this was no tree, but an Ent. She gazed into the large expressive eyes.

Treebeard's brows wrinkled in concern. He hooomed and hummmed a long moment as if considering his words.

"There is no need for explanations. We have heard Master Gimli's story and it is to be believed."

"Then he is alive?" Legolas said.

"He is at that. And from his mouth comes an ever-hasty string of words demanding our attention. Demanding!!!" Treebeard said this as if it were a great joke. But his voice became grave. "He is much injured. And I regret that. But. . . hmmmm. . . it was to be expected."

"For ones who do not get hasty, you made a swift a judgment on us the other night," Legolas said.

"In the matter of Entwives, we have had long centuries to decide our action," Treebeard said. "You should have come alone. Not carrying a branch from an entwife and waving it like a banner. 'Twas like calling us to battle."

"Forgive us, in our hastiness we did not consider the consequences," Legolas said.

"And I am afraid the consequences are greater than you will imagine. He must be taken to a healer. Perhaps Gandalf?" Treebeard said, and then thought a moment. "No . . . not Gandalf. . .he is no longer here. Hrummm.Hrooom.Things are changing too quickly for one as old as I. It is hard to keep them straight. . . .but a great healer is needed for Master Gimli."

Treebeard looked at Elesia as if seeing her for the first time. He breathed deeply and a smile spread across his large face.

"You have lived long among the Entwives, for I can still smell the blossoms of their flowers within your hair," Treebeard said. Elesia smiled. "They were as dear to me as my own people."

Treebeard bowed low, extending his branches.

"I shall take you to Master Gimli. And you shall tell me of the Entwives. Were they as beautiful as I remember? For it has been many years since I saw them last, and already their branches were bending towards the ground to tend the smallest of plants," Treebeard said.

Legolas and Elesia climbed atop Treebeards branches and held on. He took giant booming steps through the forest and listened to Elesia as she talked. They walked for some leagues. Treebeard asked questions about the numbers, size, and condition of his beloved Entwives. He wanted to know everything down to the smallest detail of the smallest bud on the smallest tree. And when she had finished talking Treebeard thought a long moment.

"You speak of the trees with words better than an elf could use. Even if you are quite hasty in your descriptions," Treebeard said.

He had stopped in a clearing and lowered them to the ground. Gimli lay on the ground. His legs had been splinted with limbs from a sapling and a make-shift stretcher had been woven from many branches and covered in leaves.

Legolas and Elesia rushed to him and saw the extent of his wounds. His legs were splinted but at odd angles which caused Elesia to turn her gaze away quickly.

Gimli grimaced painfully. "So it IS as bad as it feels." Gimli said through gritted teeth. "I tried to get one word out of these Ents but they are all for long explanations and would tell me nothing."

"We must get you to Gondor at once," Legolas said.

"That is easy to say. It will be harder to do," Gimli said.

The horses had followed them into the forest and Legolas attached the stretcher to the horses saddle. The worry was plain to see on Legolas' face, as he ready the horses for travel.

"We must leave at once," Legolas said.

Treebeard watched them sadly. "Always in a hurry." He shook his head at them, and escorted them to the edge of the wood.

"Will you go and find your Entwives?" Elesia asked.

Treebeard thought it over. "That will take some long considerations and planning. But I think eventually we will go."

At the edge of the forest they said their goodbyes.

"We are sorry for the price you paid to bring news of the Entwives to us, Master Gimli," Treebeard said. Gimli said nothing only nodded slightly.

Treebeard considered Legolas a long moment. "The great sea is calling you and yet you keep company with mortals. You are the strangest elf I have ever known."

"And I will take your words as a compliment," Legolas said and bowed.

Treebeard then stared at Elesia. "I am sorry your visit to Fangorn was one filled with terror. Perhaps. . . you will come again." His eyes went from Legolas and then back to Elesia and he altered his words. "or perhaps, your journey lies elsewhere."

Legolas' horse, pulled Gimli's stretcher behind it and their speed was very slow. They turned away from the great forest and towards the great rolling plains and began their long journey to Gondor.


Chapter 18 - Chapter 18

The journey to Gondor was unbearably slow. Gimli did his best to remain silent, but at every bump in the path, pain shot through his legs. Before long, even Legolas and Elesia would wince as they crossed ever more uneven terrain. By the end of the second week, the White Mountains of Gondor rose before them and their supplies were getting low. Only a handful of lembas remained and Legolas knew it would take more than a handful of days to cross the steep mountain paths.

They debated their choices around the campfire.

"The mountain pass is too steep for Gimli's stretcher," Legolas said. "If we had time, I could fashion something from the branches."

"If we had time, my legs would heal and I could ride a horse," Gimli said.

"Well, we do not have time for either," Elesia said. "How much food remains?"

"Enough lembas for 2 days. No more," Legolas said.

They sat in silence, each weighing the situation in their minds.

"I could ride ahead to a village on the borders, just over the mountains and return with a wagon. But that would take at least 4 days and we do not have the food," Legolas said.

"You have your bow," Elesia said. "You could hunt."

"Lucky for you the Ents did not destroy your bow or Elesia's cloak. My axe was strewed to bits and lay in splitters somewhere amongst the trees of Fangorn," Gimli grumbled. "My father took that axe with him on his adventure with Bilbo. It seems a shame to loose it now."

"Be glad that is all you lost," Legolas said. He considered Elesia's suggestion. "Even if I did hunt for food as I traveled, you and Gimli would still lack enough lembas."

"Then I will go ahead to this village and return with the wagon. I can take the lembas and you can stay with Gimli provide food enough for you both," Elesia said.

With that one sentence, Gimli and Legolas, both knew the debate was over. There was no other solution that made as much sense. And although, Legolas did not wish to send Elesia off into lands she had never traveled, he knew she had the strength and ingenuity for the journey.

They spent the rest of the evening, discussing the lay of the land that await her and the mountain path she was to take. She awoke with the dawn. The sky was thick with clouds, as she gathered her things together for the trip.

Legolas put the supply of lembas in her saddle bags and rechecked the straps. He look at her.

"If snow should fall before you reach the pass and the trail is obscured do not hesitate to turn back. The paths are well-worn and are easy enough during the year, but can be dangerous in snow, if you are not familiar with them." Legolas said. "Already I can feel winter approaching." He pulled her cloak tight around her shoulders. "I will."

She got upon her horse and rode towards the mountains. Legolas stood and watch her until she was out of sight of his elvish eyes. Gimli watch Legolas and smiled.

"I have watched your feelings for her grow before my very eyes," Gimli said.

Legolas turned from the mountains to face Gimli. He sat down beside the fire.

"It matters not what my feelings are, to act upon them would be unwise," Legolas said.

Gimli sighed. "To err on the side of wisdom is a mistake when dealing with matters of love. There is nothing at all wise about love. It is complicated and infuriating." Gimli grimaced as pain shot through his legs. When the moment passed he continued. "But when it is between the right people, it is the most beautiful thing in all of Middle- Earth."

"Exactly. And I will not be upon the shores of Middle-Earth much longer," Legolas said.

At those words, Gimli's face fell. "The sea calls you still."

Legolas nodded. "It must be heeded. I wish you to accompany me."

Gimli stare at him a long moment. "As lovely as my hair and my voice, I am not an elf. I do not think the Valar would be mistake me for one," he said.

"There is a good chance you will be allowed entrance because of your involvement with the fellowship and because of your most prized possession."

"Galadriel's hair?" Gimli said, as he reached for the amulet containing her locks that hung around his neck. "I would be allowed entrance for that?"

"It is not unheard of. Galadriel's power is strong even within the realms of the Valar," Legolas said. "You would live the rest of your life free from your injuries."

Gimli looked at him, finally understanding the entire reason for Legolas's request. He looked down at his legs and back at Legolas. He nodded gravely. "I shall go. But I do not look forward to the goodbyes."

Legolas nodded sadly. "Nor do I."

****************************

Elesia rode up the path of the White Mountains. The trail was well-marked and clear, though the first gentle snowflakes of winter had been falling off and on all morning. It was her second day on the trail and she had camped the night before at the highest point of the mountain.

As she began her descent, she could see all of Gondor stretched before her. Wide sweeping plains, endless forests, and rivers like silver ribbons wove their way through the landscape. Her gaze wandered across the open spaces and she felt a sudden sense of freedom that she had never known. She could scarcely imagine she was the same girl, who had spent her entire life within the confines of so small a forest, when the world held such beauty as this.

A few leagues below her, she saw smoke, and could just barely make out the shapes of houses in the distance. With a smile on her face she rode down the path towards the houses. This evening she would have a wagon and tomorrow she would begin her journey back.


Chapter 19 - Chapter 19

Legolas and Elesia waited outside Gimli's room. Elesia paced impatiently. Legolas stood beside a wall, his expression impossible to read.

Once Elesia had returned with the wagon, it had taken them a long week to reach the city. Along the rough journey, Gimli's state had slowly worsened. His legs seemed to give him more pain with each league they traveled. And though he kept his tortures to himself, his lack of conversation and the grim expression on his face, worried Legolas and Elesia more every day.

By the time they had reached the walls of the city, Legolas wondered if Gimli would ever walk again. These worries plagued them both as they wait outside his room. After what seemed an eternity, Arwen came out.

"His legs will heal. Though he will not be the sturdy dwarf he once was," Arwen said.

"Is there nothing we can do?" Elesia asked.

Arwen's gaze went to Legolas as if she knew something Elesia did not.

"There are perhaps certain paths he can take to lessen his pain, but he will never walk the long distances he once did," Arwen said, her eyes on Legolas. "What he needs now is rest. It will take sometime before his legs will mend."

"May I see him?" Elesia asked.

"He would like that. He mentioned several times that you had his pipe for safe keeping and he wanted it returned," Arwen said.

Elesia disappeared into his room. Arwen turned to Legolas.

"You have not told her of your plans to take him to Valinor?"

"I did not think it wise until I knew for certain his condition," Legolas said.

"She will know by your dreams soon enough. Don't let her learn of this in her sleep," Arwen said, gently. "It will be hard enough news to hear while awake."

************************************

Elesia was in her guest room in the castle. Sleep would not come. After many weeks on the road, the bed was too soft and her mind was racing. She fear the endless dreams of ships and open sea. Not because she disliked either, but because of what they meant. Legolas would be leaving. He had not admitted it to her, but he did not have to. The dreams were easy enough to understand. However, it did not make it any easier to accept.

She paced the room, looking out into the leafy branches from the trees that grew beside the castle walls. As she yawned, the leaves nearest her began to rustle. She jumped back, momentarily startled, reminded too much of the incident in Fangorn Forest. But the rustling was insistent until she realized the trees were not moving of their own accord but because of Legolas as he deftly climbed up its branches. He swung over the gate that lined the walls and into her room.

"There is such thing as a door." She reminded him.

"Climbing a tree is more enjoyable than walking up stairs." Legolas looked out into the leafy branches. His head was bowed as if a great burden were on his shoulders.

"You are leaving soon," Elesia said.

Legolas looked at her surprised. He had dreaded this conversation and it seemed there was nothing to dread. She already knew the inner most thoughts of his heart without having spoken them.

"There is a small chance Gimli will be allowed refuge in Valinor because of his dealings with the Ring," Legolas said. "There is no guarantee that I will find the Straight Way if he is with me, but it is the only chance he has for a future."

"Then you must try," Elesia said, without a moments hesitation.

"I know. And I know that I have been planning on leaving for sometime. . . but. . that does not make the parting any easier." Legolas said. He sighed. "I have already said too many goodbyes in this life."

"Then when the time comes, we will simply say, 'good journey,'" Elesia said.

He leaned against the gate, facing her.

"I have not seen you in many a night," he said. "Do you grow tired of our dreams?"

"I find my body is weary but my mind will not let me sleep. The bed is too soft and the stars are not above me," she said, and smiled. "For many days, I used a favorite elvish cloak as a bed. Now, it seems I am not fit for any other."

"'Tis a pity the Ents returned it to you," Legolas said. A smile spread across his face. "For I was quite enjoying my role as elvish cloak."

She smiled. "And who is to say that yours was not the cloak I am speaking of?"

"If that is the case, then I am forever at your use, should the nights grow too cold you will find me in the gardens," Legolas said.

He smiled at her and then with his swift cat-like movements, vaulted himself over the side of the gates and into the trees, disappearing into the gardens below her.

And he dreamed. A ship sat in the docks. Elesia was sitting on the railing of the ship gazing out at the water. Legolas climbed aboard and inspected every inch, examining the ship thoroughly. There was one small hold below deck to carry provisions for the journey. He and Gimli could sleep above decks. He climbed up the tall rigging that held the sails. Mentally making note of the amounts of rope and material would be needed. By the time dawn arose, he had the ship plans mentally imprinted in his mind.

There was much work to do.

As the weeks passed, Elesia saw Legolas only in their dreams. And even then, the dreams were of nothing but his ship. Legolas spent every hour at the havens, working continuously. Elesia would sit upon the beach and watch him as he work. Slowly, piece by piece, a ship appeared before her.

As Gimli's legs mended, he spent many hours alone in his room. He allowed only Legolas and Elesia to sit with him, as his dwarvish pride did not allow for him to let people see him so weak. Legolas was the only person he took council with. They would speak for long hours about how much and of what type of goods to bring with them on their journey.

*******************************************

Elesia sat within the great library of Gondor. In the past few weeks, Gimli's legs had mended enough to walk on crutches and he had spent many an hour studying the maps. He was hunched over the table, his mind heavy with concentration, as he try to memorize the ocean currents that were mapped out before him. Tomorrow he and Legolas would depart Middle-Earth and begin their long voyage to the Blessed Realm. He was so lost in thought that he had yet to notice that Elesia had left the table and was wandering the rows of ancient texts that lined the shelves of the great room. He mumbled a comment to her under his breath and it was only when he received no reply that his gaze rose from the maps. He saw her, and cursed himself a fool.

He left the maps and hobbled across the room to her.

"Forgive me," Gimli said. "I should have spent this afternoon enjoying your company, not pouring over maps. 'Tis a trivial thing now. If I do not know them at this late a date, there is no learning them in one sitting."

Elesia smiled at him. "To simply sit with you staring at maps was quite enough. I have gazed so long at them with you, I feel I shall see the journey in my mind as you travel along the seas."

"That maybe true. But there are heavier concerns on your heart today than the ocean breezes that blow along the sea," Gimli said.

She could only nod.

"I have not spoken to Legolas in many days," Elesia said.

Gimli nodded. "Nor I. His thoughts are consumed with the sea."

"I have felt his longing for the sea," Elesia said.

"Then I pity you. For it is not an easy burden to bear," Gimli said. He look at her a long time. "Go to him. He has spent far to much of his last day upon Middle-Earth on the water. He will regret it and then I shall have to listen to his grief for endless days."

Following Gimli's advice she walked down to the beach. As the last of the twilight left the sky, she could see Legolas checking the top of the rigging one last time. He raised a hand in her direction and she waved in return. While she wait for him, she walk along the beach.

She looked out at the waves, it seemed a living thing in the darkness. More menacing than in daylight. The roar of the waves whispered to her, curses or blessings she could not be sure. But she did not dare turn her back on it. She did not hear his footsteps but she could sense his presence and turned to face him.

Legolas smiled. Since finishing the ship, he was happier than he had looked in many weeks. A great burden had been lifted from his spirit and he seemed himself again. They sat in the sand and stare out at the water.

"You are prepared for the journey?" Elesia asked.

"We are. Though, I think Gimli would like another lifetime to study those maps of his," Legolas said. "He does not understand that maps will be useless where we are going."

"There is so much I don't understand," Elesia said.

"As it should be. Would not the world be a dull place if you understood all that was within it," Legolas said. "I have your memories and yet, you remain a mystery to me."

He stared at her intently. In his eyes, the sea was raging. Elesia could see it as easily as she could see the golden color of his hair. It held her entranced. He reached out a hand and held her face gently. She leaned into his touch and closed her eyes.

She could feel his warm breath at her ear, as he whispered to her in Elvish. She knew not what he said, but she didn't need to. The tone of his voice spoke of love. She opened her eyes and looked at him. He moved to her, lowering his lips towards hers. Before they could touch, she sprung to her feet. Legolas stood up beside her.

"I am sorry. I . . . I cannot," Elesia said, her eyes already stinging with tears. "I could not live with the memory of your kiss to know I could never have it again."

Before Legolas could say a word, she ran from him. Down the sandy beach. Tears streamed down her face as she ran, the sound of the waves hiding her sobs. This time she knew what the waves were speaking of. They were not whispering curses or blessings but regret. Endless regret.


Chapter 20 - Chapter 20

The day of departure arrived. Unfortunately, new beginnings always call for endings. Aragorn and Arwen sat in their chambers. Waiting. Aragorn looked at Arwen.

"Do you ever regret not following your father into the West?" Aragorn asked. The question had always plagued his heart but he rarely mentioned it.

"Never. Not even for one moment," Arwen said.

They both stood as Gimli and Legolas entered the room. It wasn't often that such loved friends left Middle-Earth. They had not been present at Galadriel and Elrond's departure and they would not be present for this one. The sight of sailing ships was too much for Arwen to bear. But they would see their friends off with one last happy memory to carry with them. Legolas kept his pace even with Gimli's slow deliberate steps. Gimli hobbled on crutches, wincing with every step. His gritted teeth expression had become all too common since his accident. And though his legs had both healed enough to walk, they would never be good enough to carry him any long distances. They stopped in front of Aragorn. He stood tall and proud.

"There is a verse passed down from the great mariners of Numenor. When after many years had passed the great king Aldarion longed again for the sea and it is said he spoke these words to his crew:

"Come, my friends - 'Tis not to late to seek a newer world For my purpose holds to sail beyond the sunsets And the baths of all the westerns stars, until I die. It may be that the gulfs will wash us down; It may be we shall touch the Blessed Realm And see the great Valar, whom we knew. Though much is taken, much abides, and though We are not now that strength which in old days Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are- One equal temper of heroic hearts, Made weak by time and fate but strong in will To strive, To seek, To find, and not to yield."

Aragorn and Arwen embraced their dear friends one last time, before watching as Legolas and Gimli walk out of the castle chamber and out of their lives forever.

Gimli slowly made his way down the trail to the beach, grimacing with every step he took. He stopped at the on the sand near the docks, were Elesia was waiting. She smiled at him and he opened his arms to her. She hugged him tightly.

"I shall miss you Gimli. You have been like a brother," she said.

"I shall miss you, too," Gimli said, he saw Legolas approaching. "There have been far too many goodbyes for one day. I can not stand to watch another. So I will take my leave." He bowed low.

He walk up the dock and climbed into the ship. Legolas stood beside her. His eyes scanned the horizon. The mountains in the distance. The trees. The coast line. And finally turned to face her. They gazed long into each others eyes, but neither could find the words to say.

"I did not envision a departure such as this. I wanted. I wanted. . ." he sighed, knowing the futility of his words. "I wanted a great many things." Legolas said, his voice full of emotion.

Contained in those words were all the feelings that he would never say aloud. Could never say. There was a deep sadness and regret that filled his eyes.

"Good journey," Elesia said.

"Good journey." He reached a hand out as if to touch her, but thought better of it, and simply turned to walk away. He hesitated for a long moment as if he were going to turn back to her, but he did not. He instead rushed up the docks and climbed onto the ship.

The ship set sail. She watched as they drifted out to sea. Legolas was busy working the sails. They got smaller and smaller as the sails caught wind. She strained to see him against the ship, but they were too far out. She would never see him again. In that moment, she understood the meaning of goodbye, with a certainty she had never known before. With no one around to watch, her expression crumbled. She sat down in the soft sand and cried.

On the ship Legolas and Gimli looked back at land.

"I shall miss it," Gimli said.

Legolas looked back. He could see her. His hands gripped the railings. He turned his face away. His eyes filled with tears.

"What is it?" Gimli asked. Gimli was still staring back at the shore line but lacking elvish sight could see nothing. He glanced at Legolas.

Legolas looked to the endless seas and then turned and looked back at the shoreline. He could see her. Small. Alone.

"Gimli there is no life in Valinor if she isn't part of that life," Legolas said.

Gimli smiled. "It's about time you fool came to your senses. Go back and get her."

"Bring her with us?" he asked astonished.

"A dwarf and a mortal. Why not. She has as much of a chance of getting into Valinor as I do," Gimli said.

"If we do not find the Straight Way?" he asked.

Gimli shrugged, "Then we have one last adventure together and you drop us back on the shores of Middle Earth."

He looked back at the shore line and smiled at Gimli. "Wait for us." he said. And without another word he dove into the ocean.

"Legolas!" Gimli yelled. Legolas began the swim back to shore.

Elesia's gaze was fixed upon the ship, but she did not see him dive into the water. Nor did she see him as he swam towards shore. It was only when he stood and began wading out of waves directly in front of her that she saw him.

He walked over to her and extended his hand. She took it and he pulled her to her feet. He was dripping wet. She looked up at him and opened her mouth to say something but words would not come.

"Come with me," he said.

"I thought.." she began but he covered her lips with his fingertips.

"I care not what the Eldars think. I only care about you," he said. "Come with us. If you desire it."

She looked at their hands, hers were hidden inside his larger ones.

"I desire it," she said at a whisper.

Her eyes rose to meet his. He bent down meeting her lips with his. His kiss was gentle, sweet. It was patient, whispering promises that there were more of these kisses waiting only for her. And all she need to do were ask. Her hands went to his face, soft as silk, behind his neck, through his hair. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her ever closer to him, until her small frame was pressed full against his. They knew not how long they stood there. Hours, minutes, centuries could have passed while they tried to memorize each other's faces with a touch. They were interrupted by Gimli, who had managed to turn the sails and head back to the docks.

"You could have just turned the ship around," Gimli said.

Note: The poem that Aragorn quotes is a few butchered lines of Tennyson's Ulysses that I changed some words around to make it fit Middle-Earth. *grin*


Chapter 21 - Chapter 21

The day that passed was a happy one. Gimli shouted words of encouragement and suggestions to Legolas as he raised the sails and caught the currents that led them away from the shores of Middle-Earth. They watched as the shore became a distant speck on the horizon until they were surrounded on all sides by the open sea. The sun set in a dramatic display of red and orange, as if marking the occasion specifically for them. And the stars slowly came out as the last of the sunlight faded.

Elesia stared up at the sky. It was a moonless night. The stars in the sky were too numerous to count. Gimli was asleep on the opposite end of the ship, but she could hear him snoring from her spot on the wooden deck. The ship's gentle rocking was lulling her to sleep. She had almost dozed off when Legolas approach her. She look up at him. In the darkness, she could only see his silhouette, outlined by the millions of stars.

"I thought an Elf traveling the Straight Way would never sleep for fear of venturing off course," she said, as he stretched out beside her.

He sat up on one elbow and looked at her. "I do not plan on sleeping."

He lowered his lips to hers, trailing gentle kisses along her cheeks and down her neck, but no further.

Love was the strongest emotion among the elves. Elves had been known to die of a broken heart, and because of this, love was not taken lightly. For elves, who have an eternity to learn of one another, love was something of infinite patience and exploration. It was not a hurried affair.

And so, until the winds shifted, Legolas spent the starlit night, learning the softness of her lips and the taste of her mouth. For a long while, neither were aware of the stars or the ship or the sea, but only of each other.

The days past, the closer they came to Valinor the more vigilant Legolas' watch became, until he spoke little and spent every hour staring out at the sea before them, adjusting the sails.

Legolas saw the saw the far off distant shores of Valinor first.

"I can see the shores from here," he said.

"Is it Valinor?" Gimli asked.

Legolas jumped down from the rigging and smiled. "It is."

Elesia and Gimli looked at each other and grinned. They had made it down the Straight Way.

"Truly it is a day of wonder," Gimli said. "I wasn't sure we would be allowed entrance."

"Nor I," Legolas said. "But tonight we shall be walking under the great mallorn trees of Valinor!"

They sailed closer.

The closer they got to shore, the rougher the waters became. The calm waters ahead of them became a nightmare of tidal waves. Gimli and Elesia held onto the railing as the ship was tossed about violently. A wave obviously of some wizardry washed onto the ship and took Elesia over the side. She slipped into the water.

"Elesia!!!" Gimli yelled. Legolas dropped the sails and ran to the edge of the ship. He looked out into the water. He saw her briefly, amongst the waves. The sea sprayed up, blinding him momentarily. He saw a glimpse of her again but before he could take action, another wave crashed onto the ship, toppling the rigging and sending the ship rolling onto it's side. Gimli and Legolas slid off the deck into the water.

The elves that manned the docks were more than a little surprised to see a dwarf wading up onto shore. Especially one yelling and barking orders.

"I need a small boat, now! I have two people in the water!!" Gimli yelled.

The elves would not give him a boat, but looked passed Gimli into the waves. Gimli turned around to see Legolas getting out of the water.

Two elves reached into the water and helped him to shore. He fought against them. "I saw her near the edge of the bay," Legolas said. "A boat. We have to save her."

"We cannot," The elf said. "It is the will of The Valar. If she were chosen, she would have made it ashore safely as you both did."

"No," Legolas said. "I must keep looking."

Legolas ran towards a boat, but the elves held him back. He fought them, but it was a useless fight against so many. They pulled him away from the boats and back towards the edge of the beach. Legolas eyes never left the waves where he last saw her. Gimli fell onto the sandy beaches and cried.

Legolas said nothing. He stood on the beach and stared long at the waves.

Gimli watched his friend. His eyes never leaving the waves. Hours past and the sun sunk low in the sky. Legolas made no move to leave the beach. Gimli built a fire and two elves were sent from Galadriel to see them. Gimli approached them. They watched Legolas who was perched on a rock staring at the waves.

"His love was deep," one of the elves said.

Gimli nodded. "It was.... How long will he wait?"

"Some elves never recover from such a lose. Though elves are reunited with loved ones in Valinor. It is not so with mortals. We know not where they reside after they leave middle-earth," the other elf said.

The elves handed Gimli water and lembas. He thanked them and went back to sit near the fire. Gimli sat watch over him all night. Near dawn, Legolas said softly to himself.

"Mornie utulie."

Gimli stood beside him. The sun began to rise.

"Never in all my years have I not wished to be an elf," Legolas said. "Until today."

He turned from the waves and Gimli followed him up the paths through the gardens into the city. A new day was beginning.

*************************

A few leagues down the beach, a new day was beginning. Frodo walked along the shore line at sunrise. He stared out at the water and the incoming waves. It had been many years since he'd set sail from the Grey Havens. Years since he'd said goodbye to Merry and Pippin and Sam. Sam. He often wondered if he would see Sam here someday, sailing up on some handmade ship a small dot on the horizon line that grew ever larger. He missed Sam.

Since coming to Valinor he'd felt stronger than he had since the quest of the ring. The wound from the ring wraith had finally healed, though on some lonely night's he was convinced he could still feel the blade penetrating his arm. Gandalf said it was his imagination and it would pass. In many ways, Frodo hoped it did not. Those midnight nightmares were all that he had to remember Middle Earth by. Some nights he couldn't exactly remember the where the Road to Bree intersected with the road to the forest. And exactly what house was closest to the Buckleberry Ferry.

When he'd set sail to the Blessed Realm, he'd felt the distant longing. The never ending call of the ocean waves. When he'd stepped ashore with Elrond and Galadriel and Bilbo, he'd felt like an elf. He knew this land of the Eldars would not grant him immortality, but would extend his days for a while and allow him to live those days without pain. But today, he just felt like a hobbit, who missed his friends and his home and wanted nothing more than a fresh pipe, a full belly, and a laugh with his friends. Bilbo kept busy. He was writing again. Bilbo sometime seemed more elf than hobbit. He spent his time in quiet reflection, traveling between the elvish cities as the honorary historian. Reliving past tales and sitting in council with Elrond and Galadriel.

There were no humans in the Blessed Realm. Elrond, of course was part human, but he gave up that part of his life long ago. And spent his eternity cursed at leaving Aragorn and Arwen behind. In the thousands of years he had lived, nothing had affected him, such as this. There was a sadness in his eyes. And a rumor that passed through Valinor that perhaps, Elrond would be one of the few elves that choose the path of no return. The other elves of course, blamed this on the fact that Elrond was not all elf and it was his humanity in him that caused him so much sadness.

And so the days past, weeks turned to months turned to years. And Frodo watched the tides roll in and out. Waiting. His house near the deserted rocky shorelines was several leagues away from the nearest Elven village. He did not know of Legolas and Gimli's arrival, nor did it even cross his mind as he look out at the water.

"I wish Sam were here," he said aloud. He sat down on a rock and began humming the old songs to himself. He was listening to the sound of the waves when he saw it. A body in the water. He stood. Then he ran.

He waded into the water, the waves lapping at his ankles. Clinging to a piece of drift wood, unconscious, was a girl. Not a hobbit, nor an elf. But a mortal. Her traveling clothes had been mostly torn from her in the waves, and hung in tatters. Frodo stare at her a long time in wonder and amazement.

"You aren't Samwise Gamgee. But what a thing for the seas to wash in," Frodo said to the unconscious body. And he began the slow task of dragging her out of the water.

**************************************

She awoke to the sound of singing. Not elvish singing. It wasn't pretty enough for that. But it wasn't a man either. She listened, half-asleep, wondering where she was. The past day came back to her in a rush and she sprung up in the bed.

"Legolas! Gimli!" she shouted out. Fully awake.

Frodo stare at her from a stool beside her bed. "What did you just say?" Frodo asked.

"I was on a ship, with Legolas Greenleaf and Gimli son of Gloin. It was taken over by a wave. I must find them." she said.

"Legolas and Gimli!" Frodo said and smiled, "This is a wonderful surprise. I haven't seen them since. Since. Well, since we were on our way back to the Shire and they were going.."

"I must find them!!" she said. Her voice frantic.

"Certainly. We shall go into town. After breakfast," he said.

"I must leave now. I can go alone. But I do not know the way," she said. And the despair in her voice took him back to a day long ago when he had said those words. Her voice sounded nothing like his, but the hopelessness in it was the same. Breakfast could wait.

"I will take you there," he said.

********************************

The dawn did nothing to improve Valinor. After leaving the shoreline and walking into the city. Legolas and Gimli were greeted by elves who escorted them to the chambers of the high elves. A council had convened to discuss their arrival.

Galadriel stood as they entered the room. Her beauty and grace was as lovely as it had ever been in Middle-Earth.

"Welcome, Gimli son of Gloin. Because you carry a piece of me with you, you were granted refuge in Valinor," Galadriel said.

Gimli clutched the amulet around his neck. "It has never left me, nor has the vision of your beauty," Gimli said.

Galadriel smiled as he bowed low.

"Your wounds will be healed and you will walk free of pain, until the end of your days," Galadriel said.

She turned to Legolas.

"Legolas Greenleaf, son of Thranduil, you did not heed my warning," Galadriel said.

"Beware the sea," Legolas said.

Galadriel nodded. "We welcome you to Valinor, though it be not the arrival you expected."

"After so many years, all I expect is that nothing goes as expected," he said sadly.

As Galadriel was dismissing them, a commotion rose in the outer courtyards. The sound grew as the doors of the chambers opened and a host of elves escorted Elesia into the room. Many in the council gasp. They stare at her a long moment, trying to decide what manner of person she was. Though, tall as a mortal, she was dressed in clothes that were clearly hobbit. Pants much too short and a shirt that did not fit at all correctly.

"You are a mortal? In the Blessed Realm? Indeed Legolas, this certainly was not expected," Galadriel said.

Elesia saw Legolas and Gimli but made no move to greet them. There would be many opportunities for reunion, but the high council of elves wasn't one of them.

"What explanation do you have child," Galadriel asked. "For only one mortal has ever set foot upon Valinor until this day."

"My only explanation is this connecting stone. By accident, Legolas and I were joined to it."

"Let me see this stone," Galadriel said.

Elesia removed the stone and handed it to Galadriel. In Galadriel's hands the stone began to glow. It's brightness increased in intensity until the light of the sun seemed to pour out of it. The light filled the room. The elves stared upon it in awe.

In a hushed voice Galadriel said, "Connecting stones are the remaining pieces of the Silmaril that was lost within a chasm of the earth ages well before you time. A few pieces have been recovered over the ages. Yours is another. You have done us a great service."

"I have worn the stone near my heart for many years," Elesia said.

"And for that we are grateful. Welcome to Valinor, may you walk in peace here until the end of your days," Galadriel said.

In the courtyard, outside the chamber, beneath the golden leafy branches of the great mallorn trees, another reunion took place. Elesia approached Legolas and Gimli, smiling.

"When you disappeared into the sea, I feared the worst," Legolas said. His gaze was so intense, she had to look away.

"As did I," Gimli said. "Though when you walk into the great hall, I thought you an over grown hobbit. To what far reaches did the waves fling you?"

"To the most unexpected place of all. To the feet of a hobbit. One who gave up his morning meal to lead me here," Elesia said.

"That is quite a sacrifice," Gimli said. "Though he did not waste time in making up his missed meal."

Gimli and Legolas saw Frodo. He was waiting patiently sitting against the trunk of a mallorn tree, eating lembas. To Legolas it seemed that Frodo had more cares in his face than he did when they first met in Rivendell. Legolas doubted that anyone truly understood Frodo's sacrifice. But as is the way of the world, sometimes one must sacrifice much in order that many may live in happiness. Frodo glanced up from his lembas and saw Legolas and Gimli. Seeing his old friends, a smile spread across his face and the years seemed to slip away from him. He rose to greet them.

"It has been a long time," Frodo said.

"Indeed it has," Legolas said.

"What news have you of Middle-Earth?" Frodo asked. "How I should dearly love to hear about the Shire."

"I shall tell you all you wish," Gimli said. "Not a year ago, I talked to Master Pippin while he was in Gondor. We spent many an evening over pipe-weed telling me tales of Hobbiton and your dear Shire."

"Then let us go and cool our feet in the rivers, while you begin these tales," Frodo said. "And leave those two to their own devices."

And walking together, the two friends disappeared up the trail of mallorn trees.

Legolas turned to Elesia. She looked into his eyes. It was not the sea she saw raging within the blue depths, but his feelings for her.

"I suppose our dreams are at an end?" Elesia said, a touch of sadness in her voice.

Legolas shook his head and pulled her to him. "I should not need another dream if you are beside me, as long as I live."

"And how long will that life be? It will stretch many times the length of my own," she said.

For that he had no answer. Only elves on the shores of Middle- Earth had the choice of forsaking immortality. By setting sail to Valinor he gave up that choice.

And like Frodo, Gimli and Elesia were given refuge only. Immortality was not a gift that could be granted. Even in Valinor.

Legolas looked to the west. On the horizon he could see the great mountain peaks. Legolas recalled the songs of the elf that had traveled the paths of the great mountains and was never seen in the Blessed Realm again.

"Perhaps, the answer lies over those mountains," Legolas said.

She looked at the peaks.

"Those are the ones spoken of in songs of old?" she asked, remembering Pippin's song. "Where do they lead?"

"It is a mystery, even to the elves," Legolas said.

She gazed at the snowcapped peaks for a long time.

"It is a mystery that we shall solve," she said. "Maybe they shall sing songs of us one day."

"Maybe," Legolas said.

They looked towards the west. The snow on the mountain tops sparkled under the suns rays. The wind blew down from the peaks across the great distances to where they stood. The golden leaves from the mallorn trees began to fall. Legolas took Elesia's hand and pulled her off the path, deep into the forest, away from prying eyes, into the tall soft grasses of Valinor.

Perhaps one day, songs would be sung of them. But not today. Today belonged only to them.

The End
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