A friendly trip

16.

Thranduil kept his promise. He and Legolas took a few weeks off to explore the forest. They hunted, swam, talked or just enjoyed each other's company by the calming fire. The trip was over far too soon though, but Thranduil couldn't abandon his throne any longer.

Thranduil was a great support when the nights felt too long, and he was a steady shoulder to cry on once in a while. Gandalf also visited once in a while, but something still felt missing. That was until one day when Legolas was drawing and it knocked on his door. He sighing put the pen down and went to open it, only to get a shock.

"Gimli?" His voice wouldn't carry his surprise, and it came in a whisper.

Gimli was older. He has a few more wrinkles, he had strands of grey in gray hair and beard, but he still had the friendly look in his eyes.

The dwarf nodded, a sad look in his eyes.
"Yes laddie, I came as soon as I got the message. I'm sorry it took so long."

He was surprised when Legolas knelt down to embrace him, but not unhappily so. Slowly he lay his arms around him, and petted his back. He knew about the tight bond between Aragorn and Legolas, and his heart aced for the lad.

When they leaned back Legolas sat on his knee, and smiled, misty eyed.
"I am glad you came Gimli. I wanted to contact you but I have had so much on my mind lately."

"I understand that."

Legolas invited him in, and he sat on his bed. Legolas sat on his chair again, and twisted his fingers.
"How did you even get in here? If my father sees you.."

"He invited me Legolas." Gimli said with slight amusement at the elf's reaction.
"He thought you needed your friends, no matter how much it took for him to invite me."

Legolas slowly chuckled, feeling his dry lips stretch into grin. It was the first time in a while.

"I'm glad he did. Come, let me show you your room."

Gimli stayed for about a week until even he left Mirkwood to go home to The Glistering caves. Even more days went on and soon enough Lady Arwén had taken her last breaths. Elrond was upset, obviously, after the loss of his foster son and daughter. Thranduil took a trip to Rivendell to speak with his old friend, and Legolas was left alone to rule Mirkwood a few weeks.

After the loss of his parents Eldarion was close to a grown man, and he always had Legolas to contact for questions or guidance. As ten more years was a mere blink in the life of an elf Eldarion suddenly had a wife, and a daughter.

Legolas had visited their wedding, and also met their child. As he held the small cradle in his arms he cried. Even if he wasn't related he felt like he was, as Eldarion was almost his own son, and Lily his own granddaughter. The new King of Gondor gave him permission to visit whenever he wanted, but he never did.

Legolas never visited Gondor again. Of course he held contact with Eldarion, and the King sometimes visited him, but Legolas never again sat a foot in The white city. It simply hurt too much.

Their life went on, and Legolas visited Aragorn and Arwén's graves in Gondor once in a while. Mostly quickly, just to wipe the mud and leaves off of it, or just exchange the old flowers with new ones. One day he actually sat down a while, and gently stroked the cold stone.

"I miss you." He whispered so softly, quickly fighting his tears again.
"I have covered the pain up for so long, but it won't go away. I will sail tomorrow..." He sniffed and left one tear drip down his face.

"I know I'll break my promise, and I am truly sorry. I have never broken a promise to you before. I promised I never would..."

He fiddled with his hands in his lap, before he sighed and traced the letters on the stone with his fingertips.

"I haven't told my father, he would only follow me. I know it will hurt him deeply, but I simply can't take this pain anymore. I admit it, he is stronger. Just...please..can you hear me?" He sobbed and lay a hand on the stone, feeling the hard softness underneath his fingers.

A leaf fell from the tree above, landing on he cold stone. Legolas looked at it, and smiled sadly. It was a sign, it must be.

The next day Legolas and Thranduil traveled to Rivendell together. They stood before it, looking at the beautiful ship together, hand in hand.

Finally Legolas blinked, making a tear roll down his cheek. He sniffed softly, and immediately felt his father gently squeeze his hand.

They took deep breaths, and boarded the ship to the Undoing lands. They was done with fighting. They was done with the pain. Legolas needed his parents, Thranduil just needed his son and his wife. That would be heaven for both of them.

Gimli on the other hand, suddenly felt very alone. Yes, he had Gandalf, and yes, he had the hobbits, but for how long? Time was a unknown phenomenon, you never know when it would run out. And for Aragorn and Legolas it ran out far too soon.

Finally! I'm done! This was so amazing to write, and I think I got in all characters in it and their possible reactions. Please tell me what you think, I would love to know :3 and press that star would make me super happy lol