The Trees Remember

The trees called him. A great cacophony arose as fir, birch and even mallorn spoke to him. Why he could scarce pay attention to the lengthy leave-takings going on before him! Yet the elf dared not say goodbye to his other companions too swiftly.

Finally, it was time.

"Come, Gimli!" he called. That steadfast friendship almost an afterthought amid the singing of the trees.

He caressed each weathered trunk with reverence. Their leaves trembled. Their voices ebbed and flowed through him. He listened and answered.

“I am Legolas of the Green Wood,” he sang his announcement. “And I am home.”