Many Meetings and Partings

Many Partings

Boromir he bade farewell to at the Fords of Rauros, as they laid him in state and sent him on his way.

Frodo he saw last at Fangorn, and knew not it was their last meeting, for he was too eager to walk among the trees and show Gimli their splendor. Yet the Ringbearer passed over the sea before he saw him again, and the farewell was never given.

Merry and Pippin returned to Gondor for the death of Eomer, King of the Mark. They were old, and advanced in years, but they still had the lightness of spirit that had seen them through the quest of the Ring. They remained in Gondor, for they had given over their belongings to their sons and thought not to return to the Shire.

Merry they found upon the grave of King Theoden in the early morning, a few months hence. He had wandered out in the night and lain there, perhaps knowing that the end was nigh. Pippin followed shortly after, even as he sat on the walls of Minas Tirith and spoke with Gimli and Legolas.

Sam he saw last when visiting with Aragorn in Arnor. Sam too was advanced in years, surrounded by children and grandchildren. He asked after the fates of Merry and Pippin, and wept to hear of their ends. Legolas bade farewell at their parting, for his heart told him that he would not see the faithful hobbit again. And indeed, Sam too passed over the sea before Legolas returned to the North.

The King Elessar called Legolas to him at the end, as he prepared for his death. Then too Legolas saw Arwen Evenstar, torn with grief at her husband's leaving. Elessar called to mind the days of old, and the service Legolas had done, and granted him the lands of the Grey Havens, for Elessar knew of the desire of Legolas Greenleaf. Legolas wept then, for the sorrow of Arwen and the death of Elessar was grievous to see.

Gimli Elf-Friend accompanied him over the sea for love of the Lady Galadriel. His friend too was old, even among dwarves, yet he lived for many years in the land of Valinor, and much all marveled to see the Naugrim live in the Undying Lands.

Yet though the Undying Lands they were called, still the Naugrim there bore their same fate, and at last, Gimli too, last of the companions, passed into the place prepared by Aule, which the elves know not of, nor of what happens there. Great was the sorrow of Legolas Greenleaf at his passing, such as never Eldar has shown for the death of Naugrim, for the love between Legolas Greenleaf and Gimli Elf-friend was great.

Mithrandir remained, and did not pass, for the Istari do not die. And his presence was ever a great comfort to Legolas Greenleaf, and is still. For in the land of Valinor, still they walk together, and speak of days gone by, and days yet to come, when perhaps by the will of Eru the Fellowship may again be reunited.