The Last Journey of a King

Title: The Last Journey of a King
Author: Balrog
Type: FCS
Characters: (Estel) Aragorn/Legolas
Rating: G
Disclaimer: I hold Tolkien in the utmost highest esteem. I borrowed his characters for this.
Timeline: Fourth Age
Setting: Middle Earth and beyond
Dedication: I dedicate this story to all those who love Tolkien I always wondered what would happen if Aragorn didn't die. This is my story. Can be read alone or as a final chapter to Breaking the Barriers.
Beta: chicky

Summary: What would happen if Aragorn did not die?

*****

Aragorn sat in his study thinking of all he did in his life. His hair and beard had turned white, his body was stooped and wrinkles adorned his face. He now walked with a staff that was embellished with the White Tree of Gondor and topped off with a replica of the royal crown, made of mithril. They had received word from Celeborn that he was needed in Imladris. Aragorn and Legolas travelled to Rivendell one last time. Meanwhile, Legolas never grew old. He held his elvish features with grace and beauty.

When they arrived in Rivendell, they found Celeborn as well as the twins. It was nice to see his foster family again, but Aragorn had grown weary.

Celeborn was in the garden one day, soaking up the last rays of the day before Anor would settle and Ithil would rise. Aragorn took his staff with him to use for support. He sat on a bench and noticed Celeborn sitting not far from him.

"My Lord Celeborn, I did not see you there." Aragorn tried to bow but could no longer bow low.

"King Elessar, you don't have to bow to me. It should be I who bows to you. I no longer rule a realm. Besides, I hate all this formality. Call me grandfather if you wish. Besides, Elrond adopted you when you were brought here so many years ago. You were like a son to him so therefore you should be a grandson to me." Celeborn got up and walked over to Aragorn and sat down.

"Thank you, grandfather. It will be nice for a change not to be on a social standing with people again. I have grown weary of this land and I'm waiting for...I don't know what I'm waiting for." Aragorn was shaking his head. He just wanted to give up his failing body.

"Where's Legolas?" Celeborn asked.

"He's in our room. He wanted to rest a while and do some thinking. I know what bothers him. He won't be able to live without me when I pass from this world to the next. He will fade and I will never see him again. He will travel to Mandos' Hall and I will go wherever humans go." As he was talking, a tear slid down his face.

Celeborn saw the tear and wiped it away. "It won't be like that Aragorn. I have never gotten around to sending a message to Gondor for you but I have great news. Maybe I should have the two of you come to my study and we can talk. I would like to tell Legolas of this. You both will be happy." With that said, Celeborn went to Elrond's study which had become his since he took over Rivendell.

Aragorn slowly rose from the bench and headed back to the rooms that he shared with Legolas, the love of his life. As he entered, the former King looked to the lounge on the balcony. There was his love, lying on it with a blanket across his hips. His beauty was so ethereal and fair.

Legolas had been dreaming of a place where he and his love could live forever. It had lush gardens, both vegetable and flower, a one level house so that Aragorn wouldn't have to climb stairs and two lounge chairs adorning a terrace where they could watch both the sun and moon rise. He had a slight smile on his face that told Aragorn his dreams were peaceful.

Aragorn walked over to his love and sat. He watched as Legolas turned to lie on his back. Aragorn took his fingers and rubbed the knuckles not wanting to wake his love, but it was too late.

As soon as his fingers wrapped around Legolas', the elf woke up.

"Hello meleth. How are you today?" Legolas shifted on the lounge to make more room for Aragorn to sit. Through the years Legolas had watched his husband grow weaker. He now slumped over from the shoulders, his hands were adorned with brown spots, wrinkles now appeared above his brow and his eyes were greyer.

"I'm fine melethron." Aragorn lowered his head to place a chaste kiss on the elf's sensuous lips. They were still soft. "I just got back from the gardens where I had a lovely talk with Celeborn. He told me to call him grandfather. I guess I am his grandson since Elrond adopted me and raised me as one of his own sons. He told me he wishes to see both of us in his study. He wanted to talk to us."

"Did he say what it is about?"

"No, only that he wanted to see us, and that he has good news." Aragorn raised himself and offered his hand to Legolas, which the elf accepted. Legolas rose from his seat. They made their way to the study and knocked. Upon hearing Celeborn bid them enter, Legolas opened the door and went in.

Celeborn was sitting behind the gracious desk that once was Elrond's. It was still heaped on one side with correspondence, an inkwell, quills and blank parchment.

"Good, I'm glad you are both here. Take a seat. I have tea if either of you want it." He rose from his chair and poured for each of them and himself. They took it with gratitude.

"What did you want to talk about, grandfather?" Aragorn asked.

Celeborn smiled at to hear Aragorn use the word. "I wanted to talk to you both about something Galadriel saw in her mirror before she sailed," he said. "She told me something that was both a surprise and a shock."

"What is that, Lord Celeborn?" Legolas asked.

"She told me that she received word that Aragorn here has been granted access to join you, Legolas, in sailing to Valinor when your time is right. Have you heard the calling of the sea?"

"Yes I have. I heard it many years ago but I didn't want to leave my love behind. I would rather fade with him than to go to the Havens without him. I never wanted to leave my husband." Legolas' eyes were bigger than the top of his teacup. He couldn't believe it. His love was going to sail with him. "You mean to tell me that we both can go to Valinor and live out the rest of our lives there together?"

"Yes, Legolas. It will be the last time that a human will be granted passage into Valinor so therefore he won't die. When you want to sail, let me know. But do not make it too long. I feel that Aragorn has not much time left in this world. He is getting on in years and he needs to reach the Havens before that happens. I'm sorry, Aragorn, but Legolas needed to know this." Celeborn loved his grandson. The man had done many great deeds in his life.

"What do you think, meleth? Do you have the strength to go to the Havens with me and be with me forever?" Legolas took his love's hand in his and rubbed the knuckles.

"I would sail tomorrow if that is what you want. You know we cannot be parted. I love you." Aragorn felt gentle fingers upon his and he brought the hand to his lips, kissing it softly.

Legolas looked at Celeborn. "When can you send word to Cirdan of our departure?"

"I sent word three days ago. I somehow knew you would not want to wait. His ship will sail in two weeks. That will give you time to get ready and be there the day before it sails. I have your things packed in a wagon. It will be easier for you, Aragorn, because you can lay in the back and rest. You don't look strong enough to ride."

"Thank you grandfather, you think of everything. We will be ready tomorrow at first light. The sooner we get there the better I will feel, and you're right about the horse. I don't have the strength to ride." He rose from his chair and walked over to Celeborn when the Elf Lord rose from his chair. He gathered Celeborn into his arms and gave him a hug and kissed his cheek. "Thank you grandfather for all you have done. I will never forget you. Is there anything we can take to Valinor with us for your family?"

Celeborn was taken aback by the gesture of the man. He knew that men showed their thanks by hugs and he returned it with grace. He felt the kiss on his cheek and smiled. "I have everything packed in the wagon. All you need to do is get yourselves to the Havens and Cirdan will take care of everything else."

"Thank you, my lord. Will you not travel with us?" Legolas was happy when he saw Aragorn hug Celeborn.

"No, I will not be travelling with you. I have seen too much of this world and I have decided to stay here. I can't explain it but my place is here. I will take what is left of the Rivendell Elves to Lórien. There we will stay until the end of Arda. Both of you will have companions to travel with. Elladan and Elrohir will be going with you. They have stayed long enough that they have decided to go. They wish to see their family also."

Aragorn and Legolas didn't know what to say. This was quite a surprise to know that Aragorn wouldn't be dying. Legolas went to stand beside his love and wrapped his arm around his waist.

"I thank you again, Celeborn. This means the world to me. I now will have my love beside me forever."

"You are most welcome, Legolas. Now off with both of you. You have your clothes to pack before nightfall and then you will be gone tomorrow. I hope you both have a wonderful life in Valinor. You both deserve it for what you have done here in Middle Earth. This land will not be the same after you have gone. I will see both of you at dinner this evening. It will be the last." Celeborn took his chair again and sipped his tea. He would definitely miss them both.

The lovers took each other's hands and went back to their room. They packed the rest of their clothes and took a bath together before going to dinner.

There were few elves left in Rivendell. There was enough staff to keep a few rooms clean and to prepare meals. When the two lovers entered the dining hall they saw at the head of the table Lord Celeborn, and to his left were the twins. They walked over and bowed before Celeborn out of respect for his position as Lord of Imladris.

Celeborn watched as the two lovers approached the table. He acknowledged the bow with a nod of his head.

Aragorn and Legolas took the seats to Celeborn's right. They saw the staff come in with food and, after they were served, each began their meal. It was a quiet evening with few words spoken. Celeborn would be the last elven Lord left in Middle Earth. But when he was placed in Arda, he knew that he would not be returning to Valinor. It was the one place that would not accept him. Never in his long years had he heard the call of the sea and gave up trying to listen to the wind.

The King of Gondor and the three elves arrived in the Havens as predicted. Servants brought them to rooms to rest for the evening before they would board the ship that would take them to Valinor. It had been a long journey for them because Aragorn developed a cough while in the back of the wagon. At times they didn't know if they would make it but Aragorn insisted that they not stop on his account.

Legolas made a tea for Aragorn to try and soothe his chest. It helped, and soon his love was asleep in his arms. They woke the next morning and the four of them got onto the ship. Aragorn was nervous because he didn't know what to expect.

As the ship set sail, Aragorn and Legolas were standing on deck. They both turned to look at the back of the ship and watched as Arda disappeared in the distance. A fog overtook the boat and it seemed to have a will of its own. When there was nothing to see, Legolas took Aragorn down into the room that they were shown when they boarded. Aragorn crawled up into the bed wanting to rest. His body had almost given up and he needed to sleep. Legolas moved onto the bed beside his mate and lover. Both fell asleep in each others arms. They did not know how long they were asleep or what had happened on the journey.

Sometime later, they both woke to hear clanging off in the distance. Legolas woke first and stretched in bed. His instincts told him that something had happened in the time they both slept. He turned to look at his lover and gasped, bringing his hand to his mouth to stifle it.

Aragorn heard the gasp and rose from the bed. Somehow his body didn't hurt anymore and he felt like he had lost some weight.

"What is it my love? Why are you looking at me like that?" Noticing that his voice had changed, Aragorn then raised his hands to his face and did not feel the coarse hair on it. His face was hairless.

"It's you! You've gotten younger, meleth. Your hair is no longer grey, your wrinkles are gone from your face, and even your clothes seem to be too big for you. Come look in the mirror that sits on the other side of the room." Legolas rose from the bed and took his lover's hand in his.

Aragorn did not want to believe him. It was impossible to turn back time except in dreams. He rose from the bed feeling his leggings slip from his waist. He picked them up and made his way to stand in front of the mirror. There stood a man he had not seen in many years. It seemed to him like he was back in Rivendell preparing to bond with Legolas. He was lean, young and never felt better.

"I can't believe this. This should not be happening. I thought I was going to stay old the rest of my life, like I have read in the books in Ada's library. He just could not believe his eyes. Aragorn watched Legolas' image in the mirror.

"I know, but you remember what Celeborn said? He said that this is the last time that a human is entering Valinor. So I guess the Valar can grant youth as well as immortality. Take it as a gift, husband. You have a chance at having a second life with me as a young man again. I will not tire of your image. Besides, I get my love back again and we get to live forever."

"I will not let this chance be taken from me. I will take this as a blessing and live with you for the rest of my life. I love you, meleth." Aragorn turned to his love and kissed him. He had never felt lips more softer.

Legolas turned to look into his love's eyes and watched as Aragorn brought his lips to his in a loving kiss. He gathered Aragorn in his arms and thanked the Valar for their gift.

"You should change. You can't go on deck looking like a street urchin. You're the King of Gondor. You need to be presentable." With that said, they both went to the wardrobe and searched for an outfit that would fit Aragorn.

After searching for a few minutes, Legolas came upon some clothes he didn't recognize. "Did you pack these, Estel?" When he saw the shake of his head, Legolas brought them to him and Aragorn took his time. He didn't know what his body would do or feel.

Aragorn dressed in the clothes and they proceeded to go up on deck. They heard a few gasps from other elves that were traveling with them. Then Aragorn felt someone tap his shoulder. He turned and there stood the twins.

"What trick is this Estel? You were a man of over 200 years of age when we started this voyage and now you stand before us a young man again. Did you take a youth tonic when you went to sleep?" Elladan did not know what to think about the young man standing in front of him.

"Elladan, I don't know what happened. I went to sleep looking like an old man and I awoke looking like this. It's scaring me a little but I'm willing to accept it. Maybe it's because I have Númenórean blood, I don't know. We should find Círdan. Maybe he knows what's going on." Just has he said that, the shipwright came along.

"You look great, Estel. I wish I could look younger like that. This body of mine is growing weary with years." He patted the back of Estel.

"Why have I turned younger, my lord? Estel asked, a puzzled look on his face.

"Estel, age does not exist in Valinor. The Valar have made you young again. They decided on an age where you were your best. That was at the time that you and Legolas were first bonded in Rivendell. You were young and vibrant. Take it as an omen that you will live." The shipwright bowed to the three elves and the human and left to go below to get his passengers' belongings together.

"I guess we should never question what the Valar have in store for us, Estel." Legolas wrapped his arms around Estel's waist.

"I guess not, meleth," Aragorn answered. "Why did you just call me Estel? You have not done that in a very long time."

"I wish to call you that again because we are starting a new life together and I have always loved that name. I know it means hope and we will never have troubles like we did in Middle Earth." Legolas gathered Estel into his arms and hugged him, feeling safe like he did so many years ago. "Besides, I get to make love to my husband again. I love you, meleth." With that said, Legolas kissed his lover, mate and husband. It felt great to have the young vibrant man back in his arms.

As the four of them watched the shore of Valinor come into view, Estel got nervous.

"What's Elrond going to say when he sees me? I never thought I would see the day that I would see my foster father again, meleth." Estel was rubbing his hands on his leggings. Just to see all the people that held some place in his heart felt overwhelming.

The boat reached the dock and the four companions walked forward to see who was waiting for them. There was an extra-special crowd that day. Somehow word had reached Valinor that a human was entering. Nobody was told who it was, only that he was special. Not even Elrond was told. The only person who knew was Galadriel, for she seen it in her mirror decades ago.

As Estel walked towards the crowd, the elves dispersed. He didn't see anyone he knew. The looks he was getting were of wonder and astonishment. Some of them knew that he was King of Gondor. Then he looked at the end of the row and saw Elrond.

Elrond stood there with Arwen and Celebrian. He had never met the Lady of Imladris so this was going to be an honor. They all held their beauty as if they still lived in Middle Earth.

Both Estel and Legolas approached with the twins. Estel watched as the twins ran to their mother. It had been many centuries since they had last seen her. Estel and Legolas both had smiles on their faces. The twins stood aside, waiting for the two lovers to approach. They both bowed to the Lord and Lady.

"Estel, it is good to see you again. You both look wonderful." Elrond stepped forward and gave the two of them a hug.

Lady Celebrian also came near, wanting to see the King of Gondor. She placed a kiss on his cheek as well as Legolas'. "It is good to see both of you. I hope to get to know the young man that my husband raised. I hope you will call me mother as you call him father."

Estel looked at the Lady with shining eyes. "It would be my pleasure. It might take me some time," he said, returning the affectionate kiss.

"Hold on a moment." Elrond stated. "What happened that you have become young again? I expected an old man, perhaps crippled, and walking with a cane, wrinkles on his face and a slouch. All I see before me is a young man that left Rivendell all those years ago. Why is this?" Elrond stood in front of Estel with his arms crossed across his chest.

"I know what you mean, Adar. I got on Círdan's ship as you said, aged and crippled, but when I woke a few hours ago, I was as you see me now. Círdan told me to accept what the Valar have done for me. I have no explanation."

"I guess we will do just that. I have never questioned them before and I will not start now. Come, you must rest. Both you and Legolas will stay with us until a house of your own can be built." Elrond placed an arm around his shoulders. He winked at his sons, knowing that they were loved just as much. Elrond didn't want Estel to be alone in Valinor. He felt something special for the man that became his son.

Elladan and Elrohir fell into step with their sister and mother. The four of them had arms braced around each others waists, showing their love.

*****

THE END