I Aear Cân Ven Na Mar
Chapter Fourteen – Nan Annûn

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"You cannot be always torn in two. You will have to be one and whole, for many years. You have so much to enjoy and to be, and to do."

– Frodo to Sam. The Grey Havens, The Return of the King.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"I still do not know how you talked me into this."

Legolas could not help but laugh and roll his eyes at Gimli's suggestion. He peered over the railing of the upper deck, one hand still on the wheel, and saw the dwarf sitting cross-legged at the joint where the wall of the upper deck met the floor of the lower.

"If I remember correctly, it was you who talked me into this," the elf replied.

"Only because you were much too … elvish, to see sense," the dwarf snorted, crossing his arms.

Legolas could not object to this remark, for it was true. After the death of Aragorn, Gimli returned with him to Ithilien for what was supposed to be a brief stay. Much though the elf had tried to assuage his friend's fears, it was obvious that the death of their closest friend had undone him. Legolas began to fade; he spent many a day in a fog of weariness and grief, sitting on the sand outside his home and gazing sadly upon the Anduin. He did not speak, eat, or rest. Gimli begged him many times to set sail, but Legolas could not bring himself to begin building a ship. Though he was certain that Gimli's passing would be his death knell, Legolas could not bear to leave his dearest friend in the world to face death alone.

But Gimli's stubbornness, it proved, had only gotten worse with age.

One grey morning that was wrapped in a thick fog, Legolas had heard the first sounds of hammers and saws just to the south of his home. After several hours of pounding and sawing, curiosity finally got the better of the prince and he went to investigate. Much to his surprise, he found his brothers, nephews, and Gimli all toiling over the skeleton of a ship.

"Your work is for naught, for I cannot sail," Legolas had said to them.

"You presume much, princeling," Gimli had replied nonchalantly, continuing to hammer a board into place on what would soon be the bow, "for this ship is not for you; it is for me."

"For you," Legolas had asked dumbly. The suggestion that Gimli would sail by himself was, quite possibly, the most preposterous thing Legolas had ever heard.

"Yes. For me. I wish to see the Lady Galadriel before I pass, and your brothers and their sons have kindly offered to help me with the ship's construction. We could use your hands, too, if you find yourself with spare time," Gimli had replied, "and then when we are finished, perhaps you can come with me, for you seem bound for the Blessed Realm no matter what, and I understand from Lord Glorfindel that returning by means of the Halls of Waiting is a long process."

"Gimli, I cannot ask you to do this,"

Legolas would certainly never forget the fierce glare the dwarf fixed upon him as he spoke his next words:

"Legolas, I am asking you. And if you refuse then I will force you."

It had not taken long to build the ship with so many at it. In a little more than ten days, their task was done, and it was time to set sail.

Parting with his family was bitter, but Legolas was glad that they had all been in Ithilien to bid him farewell. He was unsure whether or not any of his nieces, nephews, or brothers would forsake the forest of their birth for the Blessed Realm, and it broke his heart to leave them. Though each member of his family seemed to understand that he could not stay, Legolas knew the pain he was inflicting upon them. He deeply wished there was another way.

The worst of his goodbyes was to his father, who had already lost so much. He was the last to embrace Legolas before he walked up the gangplank of their grey ship.

"Adar," Legolas addressed him sadly, "I am sorry that I must go,"

"My son," Thranduil had said, not bothering to hide his tears and in spite of his smile, "why should you be sad to leave?"

"I know at what price my life was purchased – what it cost you, and my brothers – and now I fear that it may all seem for naught."

An unreadable expression came over Thranduil's face, like a strange mix of love and agony, and he gathered Legolas in his arms and embraced him tightly.

"Oh Legolas, never," the Elvenking said softly in a breaking voice, "I know for much of your life I have been eager for your safety, but I am also eager for your happiness. I believe I have finally come to understand."

"Understand what, Adar?"

Thranduil then pulled back and held his son's face in his hands. "That sometimes we must give up that what we love most, so that it may be saved for others; so your mother gave up her life that you might live. You willingly followed Elessar, though you knew it would cost you your happiness under the trees. And now, I give you up that you might find peace and joy."

And with that, the Elvenking kissed his son's brow, and let him go for the last time.

The wind was with Legolas and Gimli as they sailed down the Anduin, and they passed into the Bay of Belfalas within two weeks. Legolas, in the long years before that day, had learned from other elves – primarily Lord Glorfindel, who was from Aman – of the journey across the Sea and how it was accomplished. That morning, he could see something odd in the distance. Far off, where the horizon should have been clear, the line between sea and sky seemed to be blurry. He smiled.

"I believe the Straight Road is ahead. If I am right, we are close," said Legolas.

Gimli made a sort-of pleased-sounding groan, but did not budge from his location on deck. "At last," he muttered.

Legolas chuckled. "Gimli," he called. With his arms still crossed, the dwarf turned his head and peered above to where Legolas stood, smiling down at him.

"Thank you for bringing me with you," Legolas said.

The dwarf's eyes twinkled and he failed to hide the smile that pulled at his lips. "Well, someone must keep an eye on you," he replied.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

To the north and west of the Havens of Avallónë in Erëssea, there was nestled in the limestone hills on either side of a southern-flowing river, a forest. The forest was not thick like the woods of Middle Earth, but to the Sindar, it was perfect. There were not many settled there, for few of them in their lives had heard the Sea's call.

It was to that forest on this day in particular that the Maia, Olórin, came searching. No longer bound to his form of the White Wizard as he had been in Middle Earth, it was easy for him to find whom he sought; an elleth, young by the reckoning of her peers, but who had seen much sorrow in her short life.

Olórin found her lying in the soft grass near a spring which led to the river. She was bathed in the dappled sunlight, and was all the easier to spot for the bright yellow dress she wore and the tiny pink flowers threaded through her rich, brown hair which was spread out all about her in the grass. Her eyes were closed and she held a bound book over her stomach, which rose and fell steadily with her even breathing.

The Maia was glad to see that, after many years recovering in Aman, the elleth's light had returned and surpassed the brightness he'd seen in her whilst in marred Arda. When he had first encountered her the day he, Galadriel, and Elrond had arrived in Avallónë, it was clear by the weakness of her fëa that she was still recovering. But life in the Blessed Realm had clearly restored most of the light and joy in her life. Only one thing – or one elf, rather – could make her healing complete.

Olórin was at her side, looking down on her in amused interest for only a moment before she opened her blue eyes and beheld him. Immediately her face brightened.

"Good day, Olórin," she greeted him as he offered her his hand to help her rise. The Maia once known as Gandalf laughed.

"I think Bilbo would have a good laugh at your expense here, for he once greeted me in the same manner and I believe it led to much trouble for him," he said.

"He told me," the elleth replied, sadness reflecting in her eyes briefly though she smiled still. Bilbo Baggins had passed beyond the circles of the world some years ago. His nephew, Frodo, and his friend, Samwise, had passed only recently and within hours of each other. All of the Halflings were dearly missed by those who knew them.

"But Master Bilbo also told me the secret; It is good day because you have visited me," she added, winking.

"Oh, now, flattery will get you nowhere," Olórin quipped with a playful sparkle in his blue eyes, "but you are right that it is a good day."

"Oh?" She asked.

"Indeed! Tell me, Lady Anariel, is your house prepared?"

The elleth tipped her head, raising an eyebrow at him. "My house? For what?"

Anariel could not possibly fathom what Olórin meant by his question. The house, which was situated amongst the trees on the hill above her near where the spring came from the rocks, had been "prepared" in one sense or another for years. Upon her arrival in Aman, she was accepted into the court of wood elves who had come to live there. It seemed as though word had reached them before Anariel had come that she was one of their kin, and they were eager to see her situated with them. Her home was part of a larger settlement that included the houses of members of the Sindar and Silvan royal families.

For one accustomed to being busy, establishing what would be her home with Legolas when he arrived was helpful to her healing process. The need to look forward, day after day, to what the future held for them, gave her hope.

She stared at the Maia, flummoxed, for several moments before a tell-tale mischievous twinkle appeared in his eyes and he smiled.

"A grey ship sails West from Ithilien," he said.

At his very words, Anariel's body went rigid. There was only one possibility to which Olórin could be alluding, but she could scarcely hope for it, afraid she was mistaken. She held her breath.

"Come," Olórin laughed, "let us welcome your husband to Aman."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"Legolas, calm down!" Gimli shouted angrily at his friend.

"You could sooner tell a bird not to fly, friend!" Legolas called down to the dwarf from his precarious perch hanging from one side of the mast above the sail, watching the horizon as the shoreline grew larger and larger before his eyes.

Their ship had just passed beyond what could be seen of the Peak of Meneltarma and into the Straight Road. Legolas realized that their ship seemed to be sailing itself, guiding them to the Havens at Avallónë. And then, he'd sensed it – a tug on his heart, one like he had not felt for a hundred years.

He'd reached out to her, and even though he had expected it, feeling her response shocked him. She was there – Anariel – he could feel her ahead of him; strong, healed, and waiting. The restlessness that Legolas had felt in Middle Earth seemed to increase threefold as the grey ship slowly, but surely, made its way towards Tol Eresseä.

"Legolas! I cannot sail this ship by myself!" The dwarf shouted again, exasperated.

"Let the ship take us where it may! Where is your sense of adventure, Gimli?" Legolas called down, laughing.

Gimli stared back incredulously at Legolas, throwing his arms up in the air out of frustration. The dwarf muttered and walked away. Legolas heard every word he said, but chose not to acknowledge them as he turned his keen sight back to the shore.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Anariel felt it the moment he entered the Straight Road. A restlessness that was not her own crept into her consciousness as she, Olórin, and some of the other Sindar who rode with them continued on horseback down the road under the trees on the outskirts of Avallónë. Curious, she reached out, and she was so surprised at Legolas' enthusiastic response that she nearly fell off her horse. She gasped audibly.

The Maia looked over at her and smiled. "They are making good time," he remarked.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

"There!" Legolas cried. He was still balanced upon the mast, but when he saw the Havens growing on the horizon, he swooped back down to deck. He grabbed the sail line as he went, releasing more of the canvas to catch the wind.

Gimli could do nothing but laugh in response. "I am glad to see that your enthusiasm has returned, if nothing else," the dwarf said as Legolas landed on deck next to him behind the wheel.

Legolas simply smiled at Gimli and put his hand on the dwarf's shoulder. His eyes were searching the pier as it came into view. Indeed, his heart was racing and his mind was thinking at least a hundred thoughts for every second that passed by. Certainly Anariel was there, waiting for him, but how would he find her? Was she truly healed, or had she continued to suffer, waiting for him? Was she angry for his long absence?

"Legolas," Gimli's voice jerked the elf out of his anxious spiral. He looked down and saw Gimli still staring ahead at the growing swath of land before them, an apprehensive look on his face.

"What is it, my friend?"

"Will you live amongst your people – the Sindar in Elvenhome – when we arrive?"

Legolas frowned, not understanding the motive behind this question. "Why do you ask, Gimli?"

Gimli looked up at him and paused. In that moment, Legolas did not see the eyes of the old, wizened friend before him, but the young and eager dwarf who feared the Paths of the Dead, and endured them for fealty and friendship anyway.

"You do not suppose … That is," Gimli stammered at first, and then his words came flying out in one breath, "I certainly had nothing to do with Thingol's death or the Sack of Doriath, but your kin have long memories and – "

"Do not fret, Gimli," Legolas interrupted. "I do not presume to know the minds of the Valar, but I do not believe they would let you pass the Straight Road if they did not have a place for you to live in peace here."

Gimli stared at Legolas hard, as if he wasn't entirely sure the elf wasn't telling a tall tale. Legolas tipped his head to the side and smirked.

"I will stand by you, Gimli. And if that does not inspire confidence, Lady Galadriel will certainly stand by you. I cannot imagine many elves would dare cross the granddaughter of King Finwë, High King of the Noldor," he said.

Finally, Gimli smiled and nodded. "Thank you, lad," he replied quietly.

Both elf and dwarf turned their attention back to the shore. Legolas could see folk gathering there, waiting to greet them, but he could not discern any individuals for the sun was low in the sky and making it difficult to stare, even for an elf. As the distance between the ship and the pier closed, though, faces became visible. The prince could see Lady Galadriel was foremost among the crowd, along with Lord Elrond and an elleth who was presumably his wife, Lady Celebrían, but Legolas recognized few others. Anxiety began to tug at him again as they neared the shore and he could not see Anariel. He reached out to her with his fëa, and felt her respond happily, and with a certain amount of coyness, I am here. Legolas frowned. Where?

His wife was still not in sight when it came time to guide the ship into the wharf. Gimli helped Legolas pull up the sail as their ship pulled between two piers and some elves from the shore, Teleri by the look of them, jumped aboard to help with the ties. They each cast more than once glance at Gimli, but said nothing as they went about their work. Within a few minutes, Legolas and Gimli were disembarking to the wharf.

"Welcome, Legolas Thrandulion, Lord of the Elves of Ithilien, and to Gimli, Elf-Friend, Lord of the Glittering Caves; last of the Fellowship of the Ring," Galadriel pronounced, walking toward them with her arms open in greeting.

Legolas put his hand to his breast and bowed his head. He caught a glance of Gimli mirroring his actions as he turned a bright shade of red. The prince could hear a stir among some of the elves at the mention of Gimli's race. A twinge of concern gnawed at Legolas.

"Never before have welcomed the Children of Aulë among us here in Avallónë," a voice came from the crowd. Legolas and Gimli both raised their eyes and followed Galadriel's gaze, which rested upon the elf lord who had spoken. Legolas could see by his dark hair and eyes that he was one of the Sindar, but was not otherwise known to the prince. Legolas looked back to Galadriel, who was regarding the Sindarin elf sternly, but she did not speak up to contradict him. The moment became tense, and then, a voice came from behind the crowd.

"This one I may speak for."

The voice was familiar, and different, but Legolas and Gimli both knew it regardless.

"Gandalf!" The dwarf cried happily.

Sure enough, some of the elves parted to make way for the Maia. Much like his voice, Mithrandir had completely changed, though his presence was the same, but not weary or grave as it had been in Middle Earth. He was ageless, more beautiful than any elf Legolas had ever known, and had shed all his cares and troubles. The Maia's blue eyes looked upon the two newcomers mirthfully, and he smiled.

"What say you, Olórin?" Galadriel asked, smiling conspiratorially. The Maia came forward, stopped short just in front of them and winked. Legolas could not help but smile as Olórin then stood by Gimli's side and began to address the crowd.

"At the behest of the Lady Galadriel, who foresaw his coming, I have brought the case of Gimli Elvellon before the Valar. I described to them his unselfish deeds as a member of the Fellowship of the Ring, which saved Middle Earth from certain doom. The Valar, already knowing of Gimli's great actions, agreed to grant him passage into these Undying Lands for the remainder of his days,"

Then, Olórin laid a hand on Gimli's shoulder. "So yes, welcome, dear friend, to Tol Eressëa," he declared joyfully.

There was a murmur of assent among the crowd. Legolas could feel Gimli exhale in relief, and he patted his friend's shoulder.

"Come, Lock Bearer," Galadriel said, extending her hand towards the dwarf, "I shall introduce you to our friends here."

Looking the happiest Legolas had ever seen him, Gimli strode forward and took Galadriel's hand and went alongside her as the Lady formerly of the Golden Wood began to make introductions.

Olórin wordlessly stepped aside Gimli and Galadriel, all the while his gaze fixed upon Legolas.

"It gives me joy to see you again, Legolas," he said, still smiling mischievously, "and I look forward to all of your tales of life after my departure from Middle Earth. But there are others here with a greater claim upon you that I."

The Maia tilted his head to indicate that Legolas should look back towards the crowd. The elf arched an eyebrow, but turned to look before him. The prince's eyes fell upon two elves who had moved to the forefront of the crowd, and his heart nearly stopped.

Legolas had not known either in his life in the Woodland Realm, but knew them by his heart. The blond-haired, blue-eyed ellon looked as regal as he had in depictions of him in the Elvenking's halls. He still wore a crown of leaves and was still adorned in the green and brown colors of his homeland, and smiled as though he was privy to some wonderful secret. On his arm was a dark-haired, dark-eyed elleth whose kind, warm smile nearly sent Legolas to his knees.

"Daeradar," Legolas breathed, "Naneth!"

"Welcome, my grandson!" Oropher's deep voice rumbled straight from Legolas' ears to his chest. The prince could do nothing but stare, mouth gaping wide open. In all of his wildest imaginings, he'd never expected to meet either his grandfather or his mother in the Blessed Realm.

Almwen slipped her arm out of Oropher's and ran to her son, wrapping Legolas in her arms as she laughed mirthfully and tears shone in her eyes. Barely comprehending all that was happening, Legolas returned her embrace.

"Legolas!" His mother cried happily as she held his face in her hands kissing his cheek, "It gives me such happiness to finally look upon you."

Overwhelmed, tears brimmed in the prince's eyes as he beheld his mother – real, and in the flesh – for the first time since his birth. "Naneth, I ... I had not expected..."

Almwen laughed and hugged him again. "I know, dear one. I am at a loss for words myself," she said, and then she stepped aside and let Oropher embrace his grandson.

"I am glad to finally meet you, child," said the King, "and I am anxious to hear all about you, and your great deeds. You shall also have to tell me how your father has kept in line. I am sure he has required some managing in my absence."

Legolas let out a bark of laughter, for Thranduil had often commented that Oropher was the one in constant need of shepherding. "He is well looked after, between my brothers and his several grandchildren," he managed to reply. Oropher's eyes lit up and he smiled widely. "I shall tell you all about them, I promise," the prince added.

"Yes, well, there will be time enough for tales of our kin once you are settled. But for now, there is yet one other who waits for you," replied Oropher with a twinkle in his eye. Legolas felt a spark fly through him at the suggestion, and began to scan around the dispersing crowd of elves, looking for his wife. Even as he was reunited with dear loved ones, anxiety had been growing in him that Anariel was not there.

As it so happened, Anariel had hidden herself a few elves deep in the crowd. That she lingered behind was completely of her own design; on the road to Avallónë she had suggested to Oropher and Almwen that they should be the first to greet Legolas. She had enjoyed her mother- and grandfather-in-law for a hundred years, and thought her husband should have a chance to greet them first. Though she was trembling with anticipation to go to him, she stubbornly held herself back. Her heart swelled with joy as she watched Legolas meet his mother for the first time and hoped that one day she may be blessed enough to be reunited with her parents. But, for now, seeing her husband's light returning was enough. In his astounded, happy face, she saw all of what they could look forward to in the future. Her healing, in that moment, was complete, and she was ready to help her husband do the same.

Oropher said something to Legolas that she did not hear, but she saw her husband look around, his eyes seeking through the crowd. Almwen and Oropher exchanged amused looks with each other. Anariel could feel Legolas reaching out with his fëa, trying to find her. She took a breath, and waited for him to lay eyes on her.

For his part, all Legolas could see were elves dispersing from the pier at first. And then, a flash of yellow from within the host caught his eye. Legolas froze, somehow afraid that if he moved, he would have imagined seeing her. Again, some of the elves parted and his eyes landed on her. To the prince, all the world went still.

Anariel was there, watching him from where she stood several elves deep in the crowd. When their eyes met, his wife's face broke into a smile, and Legolas could do nothing but stand rooted to where he was on the wharf, amazed by her fully-realized light and beauty. How pitiful he must look to her, he thought, broken and weary as he was. But for the vast difference between them, Anariel did not seem to look upon him with pity or concern. He could feel the love she had for him ebbing across the wharf to him, and words Lord Elrond spoke to him long ago echoed in his mind:

"… and she will be your light."

Tears brimmed in his eyes again as he let out a breath, and he smiled.

A laugh of joy escaped Anariel's lips, and the sound of her voice in his ears was an overwhelming catalyst. He could not stop himself from breaking into a sprint, weaving through the crowd of elves until he had collided with his wife and seized her in his arms. More of her musical laughter filled his ears as she returned his crushing embrace by wrapping her arms around his neck, surrounding him with her fëa. The restlessness that had encompassed his life for over a hundred years was suddenly gone, replaced by peace and love imparted to him by his wife.

He pulled back, tears freely falling down his cheeks, and looked into her sparkling blue eyes. Anariel said nothing; she only smiled at him and ran her fingers over the sides of his face, brushing some of his stray hair behind his ears. He leaned down and claimed her lips in a kiss, which she returned fervently. Her hands, which had lingered at the top of his neck, found their way back into his hair and past his eartips, and he instinctually pulled her closer to him.

Finally, when they pulled away from each other, Legolas found his voice. "I am so sorry, my love," he said, his voice breaking. Anariel's eyebrow tweaked upwards and she looked at him somewhat incredulously, though she still was smiling.

"Why?" She asked.

He reached up and brushed a stray hair from her face, relishing the feel of her skin under his. "For leaving you... for your grief... everything. I cannot imagine what you have suffered, and I was not there... All of the time we've spent apart..." he managed, suddenly overwhelmed how inadequate he felt. For the first time since setting eyes on her, he looked away.

"Legolas," Anariel's voice was as gentle and warm as her embrace, and compelled him to meet her eyes once more. "I told you once that I would have endured much worse to be with you, do you remember?" She asked. Legolas could not help but smile, remembering the look on her face the night he discovered she'd followed him out of Mirkwood. He nodded.

"When we married, I did so because I loved you, not because I thought the road would be easy for either of us. And I am quite sure I fell in love with you because you are a rather uncommon elf, who was called to do rather uncommon things. We have each done what was required of us," she admonished in a reassuring, but playful way.

"And now," she continued, "your task is done, and it is time to go home."

He smiled, and was about to reply, but laughter from behind him distracted them both. Legolas turned his head and Anariel peered over his shoulder to see that Olórin had apparently introduced Gimli to Almwen and Oropher, and they were sharing a laugh – probably at Legolas' expense – but the prince could not help but be wholly content in that moment as he saw his loved ones so happy. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Legolas began to feel hope for the future.

Legolas turned back to Anariel, and his eyes caught sight of the leaf pendant he had given her so long ago, and he smiled. He reached up and took the leaf between his fingers, looking at it for a moment and wondering at how much the small adornment had seen in its existence. Something in his mind came together in that moment.

The prince let the pendant drop back against Anariel's skin and then took her face in his hands. She gazed at him, smiling steadily.

"I am home," Legolas said, and he leaned down and kissed her again.

So, after a long and weary journey, Anariel took her husband's hand and led him away from the city of Avallónë to the place she had prepared for them. Gimli came also and dwelt with them, and Oropher and Almwen in happiness and contentment for the rest of his days.

In his home with Anariel, Legolas began to find healing. Though there was sadness for a little while, with the help of his wife, and his family, his sorrows came to an end. The darkness faded, and forever there was light, love, and peace.

I VETHED
The end

NOTES

1. "Nan annûn" means "into the west" in Sindarin.

2. Some of you might have caught this, but what Thranduil says to Legolas at their parting is a reference to something Frodo says to Sam, which is arguably one of the more important themes of the books: "I tried to save the Shire, and it has been saved, but not for me. It must often be so, Sam, when things are in danger: some one has to give them up, lose them, so that others may keep them." (The Grey Havens, The Return of the King)

3. Olórin, if you hadn't guessed, is Gandalf's name in Valinor. "Many are my names in many countries… Mithrandir among the elves, Tharkûn to the Dwarves; Olórin I was in my young in the West that is Forgotten…" – The Window on the West, The Two Towers.

4. Regarding the Peak of Meneltarma and the Straight Road: "Among the Exiles many believed that the summit of the Meneltarma, the Pillar of Heaven, was not drowned for ever, but rose again above the waves, a lonely island lost in the great waters;for it had been a allowed place, and even in the days of Sauron none had defiled it. And some there were of the seed of Eärendil that afterwards sought for it, because it was said among loremasters that the farsighted men of old could see from the Meneltarma a glimmer of [Valinor]…

"Thus in the after days, what by the voyages of ships, what by lore and star-craft, the kings of Men knew that the world was indeed made round, and yet the Eldar were permitted still to depart and to come to the Ancient West and to Avallónë, if they would. There for the loremasters of Men sad that a Straight Road must still be, while the new world fell away, the old road and the path of memory of the West still went on, as it were a mighty bridge invisible that passed through the air of breath and of flight… until it came to Tol Eressëa, the Lonely Isle, and maybe even beyond to Valinor…" – Akallabêth, The Silmarillion. Hat-tip to Nilmandra for her depiction of this in her "History Lessons: The Third Age." (Seriously, GO READ IT).

Additional fun fact, and a little of un-intended foreshadowing on my part: Legolas and Anariel almost read this part of The Silmarillion back in Chapter Six of The Last Green Leaf. Nestadriel interrupted them a few paragraphs before the above excerpts.

5. "Elvellon" means "elf-friend" in Sindarin.

6. On Almwen and Oropher's return; "Those fëar, therefore, that in the marring of Arda suffered unnaturally a divorce from their [bodies] remained still in Arda and in Time. But in this state they were open to the direct instruction and command of the Valar. As soon as they were disbodied they were summoned to leave the places of their life and death and go to the 'Halls of Waiting': Mandos, in the realm of the Valar.

If they obeyed this summons different opportunities lay before them. The length of time that they dwelt in Waiting was partly at the will of Námo the Judge, lord of Mandos, partly at their own will. The happiest fortune, they deemed, was after the Waiting to be re-born, for so the evil and grief that they had suffered in the curtailment of their natural course might be redressed." – Laws and Customs of the Eldar, Morgoth's Ring.

Oropher, in "The Tale of Thranduil and Almwen," was a generally joyful elf with a love of life and I think he would have liked to come back. Almwen, similarly, might have been inclined to remain in The Halls of Waiting if it weren't for Legolas' coming to Aman. At the risk of making the ending a TOO-happily-ever-after, I just felt like they needed to be there.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First and foremost, all gifts I have come from God, and to him all thanks are given for the inspiration and drive to finish this story in its entirety.

Tolkien's works have been a joy in my life since the day I first saw The Two Towers (yes, I started out with the movies – sorry life-long book fans). I have read all the books I could get my hands on. I can honestly say that the books changed my life in ways wholly unexpected, and they still have an effect on me every time I re-read them. And obviously this story wouldn't exist if he'd never written The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings.

Particularly, for those who are interested, the following books have been incredibly helpful in the creation of this story: The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings (especially the Appendices in ROTK), and Morgoth's Ring.

Also of great help to me were the Elvish resources from Arwen-Undomiel, Hiswelókë's Sindarin dictionary, and Ardalambion.

I'd also like to acknowledge some of the authors whose writing has been inspirational and instructive to my own writing. You can find their stories in my "favorites" section, and I really do recommend you check them out! Thanks to Starlight9, Nilmandra, Thundera Tiger, Scribe, and VanaTheEverYoung (who may be found on Open Scrolls Archive).

It is so strange, and in some ways a little sad, to finally be finished. This story has been part of my life for nearly ten years, and to be able to move on to other things and dream of other stories is strange and wonderful. Thank you, dear readers, for sticking with me – especially those of you who were around for the first edition and had to wait for me to finish writing – as I struggled to bring this story about. I have been humbled over and over again by your kind and thoughtful feedback. I hope the ending brought you as much joy as it brought me to write.

Thank you again, and blessings to you,

Vendie.