Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR.

Rating: PG – 13

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Author's Note: My great thanks to merrymagic, who reviewed many chapters of this story while catching up! I am much encouraged! I hope this chapter clears up some confusion. I loved your reviews; thank you very much!

by Kasmi Kassim

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From Twilight to Dawn

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Chapter 16: Lonely Pilgrim

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The first dim glimmer of dawn began to stain the dark sky. Shivering from the cold of the night, a shadow slowly rose from bed, and began to dress in the darkness. Silent were his movements, precise and efficient in the dim light of daybreak.

After donning his traveling gear, he sat down by the small round table in the middle of the simple room and began to plait his hair. The deft fingers worked meticulously, flying about the soft strands as the cold black sky slowly transformed into a fainter shade. He did not once glance outside.

Finished with his warrior plaits, he rose from his seat and approached the wall. Picking up the bow that rested against it, he swiftly stringed the weapon, practiced ease threading the actions of preparing the bow, checking the arrows and sharpening the twin knives into one smooth movement. Strapping on the quiver and sliding the knives into place behind his back, he approached the door and opened it silently. Turning halfway around, he studied his room for a moment. The neat bed, the small table, the clean dresser speckled with one glinting comb.

Turning away, he slipped out without a sound.

The eastern sky was a deep indigo blue by the time the door to the king's healing chamber opened without a sound. The shadow approached slowly, almost fearfully inching toward the motionless body that lay upon it. When at last he stood next to the bed, he fell onto his knees, slowly as if transfixed. One hand reached out with hesitation, and another tentative hand touched the bound chest. The white bandages looked so pristine, so pure and untouchable, even in the darkness of dawn. And it was so still.

Gently wrapping one hand around the limp one of the king, allowing his other hand to rest on the bandaged chest, the shadow bowed his head, and became still. And did not move as the mantle of dark blue in the sky slowly lightened into something softer, gentler.

At last, he raised his head, opening his eyes. The glimmering white light that had bathed him and the king faded away with one last powerful resonance. The motionless figure was now breathing with a steady rise and fall of the chest. Leaning forward, he gingerly ran trembling fingers over the king's chest once more. Feathery touches, with fingers barely coming in contact with the pure white bandages.

"Forgive me, Ada." The voiceless whisper dissipated into the dark blue air. He slowly rose, a solitary shadow. "I do love you."

With one last look at the motionless body, he swiftly turned and fled from the room.

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"Hush..." He gently patted the neck of the restless horse, silencing the irritated hooves that kicked the ground. "Please," he whispered, easing the horse back to calm as he pulled him gently out of the stall and into the open glade. With another soothing stroke across its shoulders, he lightly mounted. The horse trotted into the forest path, quiet hooves breaking upon the moist black earth.

The sky was brightening.

Squinting his eyes toward the east, he turned westward. Headed toward the retreating darkness, he spurred his horse on quietly, until his eyes made out two still figures awaiting him on horseback, blocking the path.

He said nothing as he approached. Azure blue eyes glistened with a wild array of emotions, a tumbling sea of words unsaid. Elrohir nodded in greeting, and an understanding.

"You look as if you are fleeing," said Elladan, his voice hushed in the quiet blue of the dawn. Legolas smiled. The smile was fleeting.

"I cannot stay."

"You are forgiven, you know that," said Elrohir. His eyes were dark, a deep plea. Legolas looked down upon the horse's mane. The pale fingers that remained tangled in it.

"I know. But I cannot stay."

Elladan sighed. His horse swung its tail, shattering the dew on the grass that bordered the path.

"You will return," he said uncertainly, "when you forgive yourself?"

The younger elf tilted his head slightly. This time, a genuine smile grazed his lips, albeit with sorrow. "Yes."

Elladan moved aside. "Then we will let you go." His whisper was breathed with a resolute hush.

Gratefully, Legolas watched the twins part ways for him. He turned his head as his horse passed theirs. "Will you..."

Elrohir nodded with unwavering promise in his steady gray eyes. "We will stay at your father's side."

Legolas smiled again, gratitude threatening to break his barely constrained expression. Viciously biting down his lip, he lowered his gaze. His pale face glowed softly in the trembling air.

With a frown, Elladan reached out with his right hand, and unceremoniously pulled the prince's head to his chest. Startled, Legolas gasped, but then gingerly leaned into the embrace. The horse underneath him kicked the ground in irritation.

When Elladan released his head at last, Legolas' eyes was shining with the silver dews of dawn.

When he turned to Elrohir, the younger twin gave him a gentle smile.

"We will see you again soon, brother." He reached out and stroked the prince's head with a tender hand. "And we will sing and hunt and run in the wind together, and laugh again."

Elladan waved his hand dismissively. "Go, little leaf. Go and defeat your demons."

Silent, the prince nodded. And with a determined light in his glazed eyes, he spurred his horse forward, cleaving the path cleared by the twins who watched in silence.

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And standing before the window, the shadow of the king did not move as his child rode into the west, into the fading night.

Return to me soon, my little Greenleaf, he whispered in silence.

The pale blue dawn was ever bright.

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The End

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Author's Note: This is the last chapter, folks. I know I left many questions unanswered – they will unveil themselves in my upcoming prequel to this story. Yes, I am reverting to the Elfling Legolas timeline. Hohoho. Thank you for reading, and pray accompany me – answers to your generous reviews will be posted on my next tale!

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Swasti: Surprised you there, huh? Hehehe. I love this.

Unsung Heroine: Heh, I am glad to hear that! Things are slightly better…or not…hmm. Well, more is coming soon. I hope you enjoyed the story!

Brazgirl: Uh, yes, he did. Um, don't be too mad at anyone. Hehehehe. Isn't it great? Thranduil is hurt and sexy at the same time! Woo hoo!

ArcherGal2932: Oops, I hope you didn't have to wait too long for the update! Haha, thank you for the long and beautiful review. And um, Legolas sorta recovered, didn't he? Hahaha. Thank you again for your advice!