The Fellowship was all gathered in Minas Tirith, all eating together for the last time before they all set off home. Though it was a sad time, they were all laughing and having a good time. As they all neared to finishing their food, they found themselves in an awkward silence until Merry finally spoke.
“This feels so strange, doesn’t it? We have been around each other for the past year, but it feels like we have known each other forever. And just think, this may be the last time we are all together.”
The other seven nodded in agreement.
“This may be the last time we see each other, but friendships last forever. We will always have each other in our thoughts,” Legolas said.
Pippin glanced up at the elf, whom he happened to be sitting beside.
“Speaking of forever, exactly how old are you, Legolas?”
All seven glanced at Pippin. Legolas had an amused smile on his face.
“We have been traveling with each other for about a year now and you are just now asking? I thought you were more inquisitive than that. Well, Pippin. How old do you think I am, and I will tell you if you are close.”
Aragorn glanced at the elf whom glanced back with a smile. Aragorn rolled his eyes and glanced to Gandalf, who was also watching Pippin with a grandfather-like smile. The Hobbit thought for a while before answering.
“Well… You look the youngest off all of us here, but I know elves age differently than other races. You must be about… four thousand!”
Aragorn, Gandalf, and Legolas all busted out laughing. It was a while before the three calmed enough for Legolas to talk. Aragorn was forced to wipe tears from his eyes.
“Are you trying to age me, Master Hobbit? You are not even close. I am 2,779.”
Frodo looked over to Legolas in surprise.
“Are you really that old?”
Aragorn answered before Legolas could.
“Are you kidding? He is still a child!”
Legolas snorted and shook his head.
“I am not and you know that. I am young, yes, but and completely considered an adult.”
Sam watched as the two fought their friendly battle before breaking in.
“Okay, then we can decide. How old are you by your standards?”
“I am 23.”
The rest of the fellowship glanced at each other a moment before they all broke out in smiles.
“That makes you the youngest! Yes, you are a child!” Pippin said before everyone started laughing. Legolas joined in for a short time.
“But only the youngest by elven standards. If you go by true standards, only one here surpasses my age.”
They all glanced at Gandalf. Being the inquisitive Hobbit he was, Pippin had to ask.
“How old are you, Gandalf?”
The wizard thought to himself for a moment.
“Well. I came to Middle Earth 2,019 years ago, but before that, I wandered many years. My true age is only for me to know.”
“Because your so old, you just don’t want us teasing you,” Gimli muttered under his breath. The only ones that heard him were Legolas, Pippin, and Aragorn, who all snickered. Gandalf glanced at him and he immediately feigned an innocent look.
“Don’t look at me! Legolas was the one that said it!”
Legolas’s jaw dropped as he looked at Gimli and the dwarf could not help but smile guiltily. Gandalf sighed and shook his head.
“You are all acting like children.”
Aragorn shrugged.
“Oh, come on Gandalf. This may be the last time for all of us to be together. Let us have happy memories. You have to admit you are enjoying it too.”
The old wizard nodded and chuckled.
“Yes, I’ll admit it. I have having a good time. We all are.”
The eight fell silent again for a long while. They had finished eating a long time ago, but no one wanted to leave. Should they leave, the night would end. The faster the night ended, the faster they would find themselves leaving the next day. Gimli suggested that they all get an ale, but Aragorn declined. It would not be good for the night before long travel. And a long travel was what they all, save Aragorn, had to look forward to the next day. Legolas had made a point, saying he didn’t have to leave the next day. His father was use to him being off for long periods of time, but he knew as well as Aragorn did that he would have to leave soon. Though the rest of the Fellowship did not know, he was a Prince, and that brought duties upon him that he had not seen to for a long time. Honestly, he wasn’t looking forward to it. It was all ready well into the night. The sun would be rising in a matter of hours, but no one wanted to be the one to break up the night. Reluctantly, though, one by one they began to excuse themselves and make their way slowly up to their chambers. Before long, it was only Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn left in the dining room. The three had grown the closest of all. They all sat in silence in the empty room. It was Legolas whom spoke to break the quiet of the room.
“I enjoyed traveling with the two of you. Never before had I had such companions as yourselves, and I could live a lifetime and still find no match. I consider myself lucky to call myself your friend.”
Gimli and Aragorn both smiled and nodded.
“You talk as if we will never see each other again,” Aragorn said. “We will. The entire fellowship may not, but the three of us will.”
Both Legolas and Gimli nodded in unison.
“Of course we will,” Gimli added. “I couldn’t stand not being able to out-kill you again!”
Aragorn smiled and watched as Legolas rolled his eyes.
“That was once, Gimli. Once out of how many?”
The Dwarf smiled and stood up as he began to head towards his room.
“Once is enough, Legolas! Once is enough! I still won’t let you live it down!”
Legolas groaned and stood and quickly followed the dwarf close behind. Their friendly fighting could be heard slowly drawing quieter until a door shut, followed by a second shutting door. Aragorn smiled and shook his head. Finally, he took his leave as well, leaving the room empty.

((The next chapter will begin their adventure. This chapter was more a prologue. PLEASE R&R!!!))

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