Return to Mirkwood COMPLETE
chapter 37
Chapter 37/37
Author: Sarah
Pairing: Legolas/Gimli
Rating: G
Disclaimer: Tolkien owns them. I make no money. Tolkien owns the Gimli and Legolas I write solely and completely. They are in no way related to the movie characters. I claim the original characters.
Archive: Axe and Bow. Others please ask.
Feedback: Please.
Thank you to erobey for all the support, guidance and aid. This story would not be the same without you. You help me reflect the love you have given my story.
Beta, helpful suggestions, wonderful encouragement and absolutely lovely additions: Vinni. Thank you! Any mistakes left are mine.
Author's notes: Thank you to those that have given me encouragement. To everyone who has given me feedback: thank you. I treasure each comment.
Dis, Tontinha, and Brazgirl have faithfully reviewed every chapter and to you I give a special hug and thank you.
Marigold, who insisted that I could write this story and beta'd many chapters. Love and thanks!
To everyone who has touched this story whether in feedback or advice: thank you!
I shall be doing a great deal of editing: fixing errors, over the next two weeks but Return is now complete.
Dawn blushed in the sky over Eryn Lasgalen. The travellers stood near the horse that would bear them away from Greenwood. Legolas' hand rested, warm and steady, on Gimli’s shoulder. The chirping song of waking birds played in the air. A crisp, cool breeze gently brought the last of autumn's leaves to the ground, heralding the arrival of winter.
They watched the last star slowly fade from view. “My Barkai” thought Legolas.
Gimli’s thoughts were less serene. He frowned. He had agreed to a horse, as they had several extra packs, but now he did not like the idea.
“Ready, my one?” Legolas sprang to the horse’s back and extended his hand.
"No, but I guess it can't be avoided." Gimli said with a heavy sigh. “Perhaps we should walk. I'm not bothered by having extra baggage and..."
"Nonsense." Legolas replied, hauling him up.
As Gimli seated himself behind his elf, Legolas' gaze was drawn back to the gates of the fortress. A moment later, the gates swung open and Celduil emerged, running toward them.
Arriving at their side, he said, "I know we said our farewells last night. I swore I would not do this and make the parting more difficult but..." he reached up for Legolas who leaned down into his embrace.
They held each other for a few moments and then Celduil pulled Gimli into hug. "Thank you, Elvellon." he whispered.
Yet Gimli thought it was he who had been given a gift. As Celduil released him, the elf glanced into Gimli’s eyes, and the dwarf saw clearly the reflection of Lastand in the blue orbs. *They will be all right.* Gimli thought happily.
Loving words were exchanged again, and one more hug between brothers given, before Legolas and Gimli were ready to depart.
Slowly the horse carried them along the woodland path, away from the Greenwood, and onward to Erebor.
The end.