The Sound of Silence
It was silent. Not a bird’s chirp or the sound of squirrels fighting over acorns. The stars twinkled in the dark, velvety sky and the moon shone down on the quiet forest. Legolas was worried. He knew something must have been drawing near, for what else would have silenced the forest creatures? Elves move about noiselessly, and Gimli was as still as a mouse (for once) Legolas crept to the edge of the forest motioning for his four companions to follow. Gimli came first, trying his best to be quiet. His beard was reddish brown, with streaks of gray running through it. Next was Gwenneth, a beautiful Elf maiden whom Legolas had met in Rivendell. She could hear every movement, from an Oliphaunt to a leaf dropping from a tree. Beside her, was Galasgalen. Galasgalen had met up with Legolas and Gimli in Mirkwood. She had rescued them from being attacked by a warg, and had stayed by their sides since. She was a swift as the wind. Sidhon was the last to creep to the edge of the woods. He was like a brother to Galasgalen, and had sworn to fight alongside her until swords brought death upon them.

“Legolas, what do you sense?” it was Gwenneth who had said this. She was like family to Legolas, and she could always tell when Legolas could sense something approaching. Legolas was silent for a moment. When he spoke, it was in a whisper, “It is something big, and powerful. It is still unknown to me, but we must keep moving. Come.” He then stepped out of the woods, and came into a field. The long grass swayed in the gentle breeze, causing a soft, swishing noise. Beyond the field were snow-covered mountains gleaming in the moonlight. Wispy clouds encircled their points. “Legolas, we must get to those mountains. That is where the Mines of Malin lies.” It was Gimli who had said this. After Legolas led them to the mountains, Gimli would lead his friends through the Mines of Malin. “You have not lived until you have seen Mithril!” exclaimed Gimli. (Mithril is what dwarves consider the most precious treasure in Middle-Earth) “There is something I do not like about the Mines of Malin. There roams a dwarf there that is evil. No one knows which one it is, but he carries the name Norin Tombplate. We must watch out for that scoundrel.”

Legolas turned to Gimli and said, “Yes, Gimli my friend. We will travel until those mountains stand before us, and then you will lead us through the mine.” He then set out in a brisk walk across the open field. He hoped that whatever danger he had sensed before, was being left in the woods behind them.
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The field was large, and the grass came up to Legolas’s shoulders. Gimli tried to stay close to Legolas, but he would stray once in a while. When he did so, you could only see the tips of the grass moving about, as Gimli searched for his friend, “Legolas, where are you, laddie? I can’t see a thing!” and it was very true. Gimli could not see anything, except the grass looming before him. Gwenneth laughed quietly to herself. For Gimli was rather comical. Once in a while, he would find a boulder to stand on, and his head could be seen above the grass. But most of the time, he was hidden. Galasgalen was not so light hearted. She had not ventured into the mountains before; and she had only traveled with big bands of Elves. She was afraid something would attack them. It was true that Sauron and the One Ring had been destroyed, but wargs and small groups of orcs roamed about Middle-Earth, killing wherever they went.

By dawn, Legolas had reached the other side of the field. He rested beside a swiftly flowing stream. His followers had strayed a little bit, so he waited patiently while they began to make their way out of the tangled mess of the long grass. Sidhon was the first to appear. He did not look weary, just slightly tired, and maybe a little bit hungry. He smiled and said, “Legolas, you have lead us through a field of grass. Will Gimli be able to lead us through mazes of stone?” Legolas looked at Sidhon strangely. It was an odd question, and Legolas did not know why Sidhon would have any reason to doubt Gimli’s capabilities of being a leader. Galasgalen and Gwenneth came out into the open. They had stayed together for the short escapade through the field and they were together still. The four waited for Gimli to come. They waited and waited. Finally, when Legolas was about to go search for him, Gimli burst through the grass. He looked tired and worn out. He was panting heavily, and his beard was bedraggled. He dropped to the ground, with a sigh of relief. He pulled out a flagon of water and drank his fill. After refilling it from the stream, he jumped to his feet and said, “Come my friends! Let us go through the Mines of Malin. This way!” The Elves smiled at Gimli’s eagerness, and they followed him willingly. Legolas still felt a little uneasy though. That….that….something was drawing close again. He looked every which-way, but still no sign of anything dangerous. He then followed the others with the odd feeling that someone was watching him.
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The group had been traveling for sometime. They had been weaving their way around rocks. It was around noontime when Gwenneth began to wonder, “Gimli, do you know where you are leading us?” Gimli stopped in his tracks, and tried his best to appear calm about he whole thing, “Don’t be a fool! I know this path like the back of my hand!” everyone looked ahead. Thorns and branches covered the ground. The truth was, there really was no path at all. Sidhon was also a little uneasy, “Gimli, shouldn’t we be going towards that mountain in the distance.” Gimli’s temper began rising. His face grew beet red, and he found himself shouting, “Master Elf, how, might I ask, would you know where the Mines of Malin is?” Sidhon did not grow exasperated; instead he answered with a straight face, “Because, my good dwarf, I have been there.”
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Gimli’s eyes grew large, and the redness in his face disappeared. It had never occurred to him an Elf, such as Sidhon, would have been to a mine before. “You have been there?” Questioned Galasgalen with awe. “Yes, I have. It was when I was younger, but I have been there. My mother and father took me there to show me what greed could do to dwarves. I saw them delving, delving through the mountain. Driven by greed and selfishness. They hardly ate or slept. They wasted away their lives searching for something that was not there.” Gimli looked puzzled, “What? No Mithril? Impossible!” Sidhon was patient with him, “No, Gimli, it is probably there, somewhere. They just are searching in the wrong places.” “And I suppose you think you know where to find it?” Gimli looked at Sidhon expectantly with an expression on his face that seemed to say, “you Elves think you’re so smart, but really you do not know what you’re talking about.” Sidhon looked at Gimli a minute, and then answered, “I do not know exactly where to search. But I know that they will not find it by digging down. They must chip away the walls. But what does this matter? I just am trying to get you to go the right way.” Legolas was silent through this whole argument. Galasgalen spoke up, “Please, listen to him, Gimli. We cannot afford to get lost.” Gimli’s eyes showed he was still upset. They flashed with anger and annoyance. “Oh fine! I will follow you. But mark my words: if you get us lost, then I’ll have your head!” Gimli agreed with a snort. Legolas was lost in his thoughts, and made no complaint to the new leader. He was still pondering what could possibly be following them. Wargs? No. They would have attacked long ago. Orcs make a racket, so it was not those foul beasts. It is something unknown. Something that can be silent as an elf, and as cunning as a fox. Legolas thought to himself. He fingered his bow, ready for anything that might attack him and his friends.

Sidhon was sure of where he was going. He did not hesitate, and he was able to find a well-worn path that led them to the foot of the largest mountain. He paused for a few minutes, lost in thought. Then he walked straight ahead, where the mountain looked as though an enormous knife had sliced off the outer layer. There was a sheer cliff, and cut into that cliff, were two enormous doors. They were similar to those that led into Moria; but they had no Elvish script carved in them. Instead, there were just many abstract designs that made no sense at all. “How will we find a way in?” Legolas asked, not taking his eyes off the doors that stood before them. Sidhon was searching his mind, trying to recall how he and his family had entered the realm of the Dwarves. “I am sorry to say that I do not know how to open the doors.” He turned to Gimli, who was mumbling to himself. Gwenneth suggested that they try to find a hidden button of some sort. Sidhon thought they could try to find another way in. None of these suited Gimli, “No, there must be a password, or maybe we should try shouting so the Dwarves inside might hear us.” Legolas was still silent. He looked around nervously. He could still sense something. Galasgalen’s face lit up, it was clear that she had an idea. She didn’t speak, but only went up to the doors, picked up a stone, and knocked it against the rock entryway. No answer. Gimli joined her. Still nothing. Then the others finally picked up stones and all at once the five friends knocked three times. There was loud creaking noise, and the doors opened. Gimli gasped in awe at what lay before them. There was a long stairway that led down. It was dark, and no dwarves could be seen, but the sound of chiseling and hammering floated up the stairwell. Once in a while there would be a dwarf barking orders out. Legolas was the first to take a move through the doors. Gwenneth followed, then Gimli and Sidhon and Galasgalen. As soon as they were all inside, the doors shut behind them, leaving them in total darkness, except for a faint glow that was somewhere at the bottom of the stairs. Legolas stepped cautiously onto the first stair: it held him. He took another step, and another. Soon, he was halfway down the long, winding staircase. Gwenneth and Galasgalen came next, holding onto each other for support on the steep narrow steps. Now, Elves are very light, but when Gimli stepped onto the first stair, it crumbled beneath him and he started rolling down. “Well, that is one way to do it.” Joked Gwenneth.

When Gimli stopped tumbling, he stood up and looked around. He felt as though he were in an anthill. Dwarves bustled about, each doing their assigned duties. Some dug down into the rock and dirt, others carried off the loose sediments in wheelbarrows. There were a few who stood around making sure that work was getting done. Gimli stood for a few minutes just staring. Then, one of the older Dwarves came up to him and said, “You! What are you doing standing around! Get back to work!” Gimli’s temper began to rise, “And what makes you think you can order me around?!”
“Because I am the overseer! Now get back to work!”
“I am no Malin Dwarf!”
The overseer’s facial expression did not change.
“You can not fool me!”
“I am not trying to fool you, I have come with friends, and we would like a tour of this spectacular mine!”
“Listen here, you scabrous dog, you get back to work or I’ll….”
“You treacherous snake! I have no need to hear what you have to say!” Gimli’s voice rose, and soon, all dwarves close by were staring. Gimli’s grip tightened on his axe, and he raised it as though to strike the overseer. “Gimli, No! Lower your ax!” Legolas spoke those words, and then moved quickly to Gimli’s side. Following close behind him were the others. “We are friends of this dwarf, and he is not from these mines.” Said Sidhon calmly. The overseer stared in awe. Never before had he seen this many Elves together at once. Once or twice a loner would come in, curious of how the Dwarves wasted away their lives. And a lot of the time, Dwarves are very hostile to Elves, which usually keeps elves away from mines. So to have four Elves standing before him was quite a shock to the overseer. His eyes grew big, and all he did was gaze at these immortal creatures. Galasgalen laughed, “My good Dwarf, it is said that the Dwarves are quite hospitable. But you seem to let us stand here in awkwardness. What is your name?” “Please forgive me, I did not mean to be rude. My name is Ganiz Bronzehammer. Welcome to the Mines of Malin.” “Hannon le. I am Galasgalen.” “And I am Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood.” “My name is Sidhon.” “And I am Gwenneth.” “And I? I am Gimli, son of Gloin!” Ganiz nodded as each Elf introduced themselves, but he just looked at Gimli when he was introduced. Legolas spoke up again, “The reason we have come is to explore this mine. Is it possible for Gimli to lead us through?” “It is. But I would not encourage it. If you would like me to, I can take you to the head dwarf and he can provide you with a guide.” The five friends discussed the manner for some time. Gimli thought he was quite capable of leading his friends through a mine. Galasgalen and Gwenneth did not care either way, Legolas did not doubt Gimli’s knowledge of being a leader, but Sidhon thought they needed a guide. “We need a guide, Legolas!” “Why do you say this? What has shielded your eyes so that you doubt Gimli? We need no guide!” “Legolas, we need a guide to lead us through the mazes of stone! We will get lost and shall never see the light of day again!” Gwenneth knew that if she did not step in soon, things would get out of hand, “Legolas, Sidhon, what profit will all this arguing bring us? Let us be friends once more, and not bicker so.” Sidhon’s temper did not subside, “What would you have us do?” “I do not know the answer to that, but please do not argue like this. You will regret it.” Sidhon and Legolas just turned away from each other. Then Galasgalen spoke up, “I know not whether we should get a guide or not, but maybe we should just go see the head dwarf, and that may solve our problems.” “Yes, that would do you good. Our master is a very hospitable dwarf. I will show you the way if you like.” Offered Ganiz. Legolas nodded his head and Ganiz began leading the way. Legolas was worried once more. But it was not the same danger; it was something…..something about the way Ganiz smiled when he turned to lead them to the head dwarf, and the way Sidhon said they needed a guide because they would get lost. There was just something about the atmosphere in this place that Legolas did not like. He stepped closer to Gwenneth so he could whisper in her ear, “I sense danger again, but it is not the same as the danger I felt outside these caves. Keep a sharp eye out. If you find anything unusual, tell me. Tell Galasgalen to do the same.” “And Sidhon?” Legolas was silent. “Legolas, what is troubling you? Why do you speak to Sidhon with hatred?” “I do not know. It’s just there is something that has taken a hold of him that is destroying him. Had the Ring not been destroyed, I would say he carried it and wished to kill us with it, but those things have long since past. I do not trust him.” “What is there not to trust?” “Gwenneth, I do not know the answers to all things. Especially what has come over me to cause me not to trust Sidhon, but I just don’t trust him.” Galasgalen nodded. She knew better than to try to convince Legolas to once again trust their friend.
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“Down there is a path that should not be treaded without a guide.” Ganiz was leading the group to the main hall, which is where they were to meet the head dwarf. “May I inquire as to the master dwarf’s name?” asked Gwenneth. Silence. Ganiz just continued to lead them through the cave. He paused in front two enormous wood doors. “Bronzehammer!” He yelled. This was the dwarves’ way of getting in to see the master dwarf. They would yell their last name, and then they would be let in. Legolas followed close behind Galasgalen. When all were safely inside, the doors slammed shut. Torches lined the walls, along with tapestries of all sorts. Some depicted war heroes, while others abstract shapes and designs. In the center of this massive room, was a massive table, and all around it sat dwarves with massive stomachs who ate massive amounts of food. Legolas looked with disgust at these…these pigs that sat there stuffing their faces with lamb, bread, vegetables, cake and wine. They laughed and talked,…well, yelled actually, and they seemed to be having a pleasant time….until Legolas and his companions walked in. Then, some of the dwarves faces grew angry, while others glowed with awe, a few looked quite hospitable, and then there were those who didn’t care at all, for they were dozing. At the head of the table sat the master dwarf. “My lord, these are visitors who have come for a tour of our mine.” When Ganiz had introduced them, Galasgalen spoke up, “Sir, we are very grateful to give you our names, but we have yet to learn yours.” “My name is no concern of yours. Now, would you care to have a seat and enjoy this feast?” Sidhon was quick to sit down, and seemed to be quite at ease, while Legolas was very reluctant, for he knew that something was lurking.
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After many ours of feasting, the Master Dwarf stood up and announced, “Friends, quiet down! These guests here would like a tour of our spectacular mine! And we will provide them with a guide.” Legolas did not like that at all, “Master Dwarf, we do not need a guide. We have an elf who has been here before, and he will lead us through. A guide from your own people would be pointless.” The dwarf’s looked slightly irritated and there was an edge in his voice as he said, “You want to tour the mine, you must have a guide. No guide: no tour.” Legolas’s eyes narrowed and he gritted his teeth, but he was silent. “Well, then, shall we get started?” It was Sidhon who had spoken, and he had a lopsided grin on is face. Galasgalen did not like the way that grin looked. She said nothing of it, but she decided to keep an eye on Sidhon. The head Dwarf nodded to a smaller dwarf, who looked to be quite young. The young dwarf went down a passageway, and returned with a dwarf clad in armor, with an axe in his hands. “This will be your guide.” Said the head dwarf. “He will lead you, and you must follow him. The paths of Malin are easily mixed up. Your guides name is Thrain Stealthnose.” Thrain did not say a word while The Dwarf (I will now call the head dwarf, The Dwarf, for he has not yet revealed his name) spoke these words. “Get some supplies for our friends, and then they will be on their way.” The Dwarf yelled, and that young Dwarf once again left the room. Legolas was still uneasy, for a reason he did not know. He glanced at Sidhon. Sidhon did not look himself. His face was slightly pale, and his eyes were dull and seemed glazed over. But he smiled, although it was a smile that was mischievous and possibly evil. Something is not right. Thought Legolas to himself. And Legolas had not thought these words in vain; something had taken a hold of Sidhon.
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“Down there, is a path that leads to our burial grounds.” Thrain was leading the elves/Gimli down a long corridor that would eventually lead them to many paths that spread throughout the mountain. As the passed the opening that lead to the burial grounds, a foul smell blew in with the wind. Gimli wrinkled his nose in disgust. After a few more minutes of walking, they came to a door. “This is the door that we will go through to get to the other paths.” Thrain motioned for the others to go a head of him. Legolas was hesitant. “Do not worry my elf friend, I will follow, I need to get a torch.” Legolas stepped through the door, following his friends. Thrain came soon after them with a torch in his hand. He stopped suddenly, looking like he just remembered something. “Oh! I left my axe on the other side of the door. Hold this, I will be right back.” Thrain thrust the torch into Legolas’s hand and opened the door. Legolas tried to follow, but Thrain shut the door closed. Legolas looked around at the others. They did not seem worried; their faces did not show the panic and anger Legolas’s showed. He decided that they had not heard what he did. Galasgalen noticed Legolas looking panic stricken (if panic is even a possible emotion for an elf to show) and she said, “Legolas, what is wrong, mellon nin?” Legolas stared into the darkness and said solemnly, “We’re locked in.”
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“Preposterous! We can’t be locked in!” Gimli shouted angrily and started banging on the door, “Open up this door you…..you…..you stinking filthy wargs!” “Gimli, I am afraid we have no choice but to try to find our own way through the mountain without a guide.” Sidhon, show us the way.” Galasgalen spoke softly. He didn’t move. “Sidhon?” Gwenneth said loudly. He stared at her blankly and said, “What? What do you mean?” the others all exchanged concerned looks. “Sidhon, you do not seem yourself, are you alright?” Gwenneth was beginning to get concerned. “I know not who this Sidhon is that you speak of, for I am Manwe, lord of all the Valar!” Sidhon’s eyes grew dark and his face was filled with malice. “He’s gone mad!” Gimli shouted. Galasgalen knew what they needed to do, “We must find a way out. If we do not get him some fresh air soon, he will most likely die.” Sidhon spoke once more, “My friends, what is wrong? Why do we linger when we must move on?” they all stared in awe, Sidhon seemed his old self again, he obviously was past that terrible moment of craziness. His eyes were their soft, friendly brown once more…although Gwenneth thought they were a little less bright, but it was hard to tell in such dim light. “Sidhon, do you know a way out of here?” Galasgalen asked gently. He thought for a moment then answered, “My mother and father took me down a pathway: it led to some stairs, then….after the stairs….” his voice trailed off as he recreated the scene in his mind. “What are we waiting for?!” “Ea na gwil, Gimli. We will go soon enough.” Galasgalen was the only one who was being patient right then. “I….I do not remember where to go after we have descended the stairs. I am sorry.” Sidhon hung his head in shame, for he felt he had failed his friends. “Do not despair, Sidhon. The Valar will guide us.” Galasgalen’s voice was soothing to Sidhon, and he lifted his head slowly. “Come, we must go before our torch burns out.” Gwenneth said as she took the light from Legolas. “Sidhon, lead the way.” Galasgalen motioned for Sidhon to begin moving. Gwenneth and Galasgalen stood next to each other behind him; next came Gimli and Legolas was in the rear. Gwenneth noticed that Legolas had strung an arrow onto it. She hoped very much that they would not need it. No, they might not need it, but not all danger can be defeated with weapons.
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“Oh, the air is close in here, I’m sweltering!” Gimli moaned. “We are almost to the stairs said Sidhon. Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks just staring into the stillness. He looked confused, “Where am I?” he questioned in an odd voice. “You are in the Mines of Malin, and you are leading us to a stairway.” He turned to Galasgalen who had spoken. “Who are you?” “Sidhon, I am Galasgalen, do you not know me? Sidhon, we have wandered around the woods of Mirkwood, don’t you recall that? And it was I who fought alongside you and the rest of our companions at Helm’s Deep!” Galasgalen’s voice was earnest, but it was all in vain. Clearly, there was something wrong with Sidhon. What it was, none knew….well, someone knew, but none of Sidhon’s companions could tell what had come over him. “Come lad, show us to the stairs.” Gimli said. Sidhon just stared. Gwenneth began moving again, heading in the direction Sidhon had been leading them. “Sidhon, come.” Galasgalen motioned for Sidhon to follow her as they all went after Gwenneth. Legolas’s hair moved slightly in a soft breeze…then he realized that there could not have been a breeze, it was like something had passed behind him very quickly causing a little current of air. He spun around, sensing something watching him. There was nothing there. “Legolas, me boy, come, we must be going.” Legolas turned back around and followed Gimli. They made their way to the stairwell and began descending the rock steps. “Watch where you place your feet, the stairs will crumble beneath you.” Sidhon warned his friends. Legolas cautiously stepped onto the first stair: it held him. He followed the others, with Galasgalen at his side. She started to lose some of her caution and began to move too quickly. The step fell to pieces beneath her, sending her tumbling down the stairs. She was sucked into the darkness. “Galasgalen!” Legolas called after her. He would have gone after her, if Sidhon had not put his arm out to stop Legolas, “No, my friend. We must go slowly if we wish to keep from falling as Galasgalen did.” So the four descended the stairs swiftly, but cautiously. They made it to the bottom within one half of an hour. The found Galasgalen waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs. “Come, this way.” Sidhon took the torch from Gwenneth who had been holding it, and he began leading them through one of the many tunnels. “I fear that Sidhon does not know where he is leading us.” Legolas whispered to Galasgalen. “Do not distress mellon nin, for he is our only hope of getting out of here.” Galasgalen consoled Legolas. After many more hours of wandering around, they ended up in a small room. Scattered about were bones of humans or elves, and even some dwarves who had also been tricked by the Dwarves of the Mines of Malin. “These others took the same path that we are taking, Sidhon, do you know where you are leading us?” Gwenneth spoke with concern. Sidhon turned to her, a fire of anger in his eyes. But he calmed down and said, “Yes, melhyn nin. I shall lead you out of here.” Just then, a gust of wind came from who knows here, and blew out the torch. Silence. Never will those Elves and that one dwarf forget the sound they heard, well, it was no sound at all really. I suppose it was something you could call the sound of silence. Legolas began to sweat; he could feel something…or someone watching him. He spun around: nothing. He turned around and around looking in all directions. He could see nothing, but he could feel the gaze of something on him. “Legolas, what is it?” Gwenneth inquired. He did not answer her, instead he said, “Come, Sidhon, lead us out, we must get out!” “But we will lose each other in the dark.” Sidhon had a point. Gwenneth took the torch from Sidhon and pulled out a piece of flint from a pouch that hung on her belt. She lit the torch and handed it back to Sidhon.
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“No food, no water, oh it tears a dwarf apart!” Gimli’s complaining was the only sound in that dreadful mine. The five of them had been wandering around for quite some time. The elves were getting by all right, but Gimli was rather tired and worn out. “Sidhon, let us stop for Gimli’s sake, he needs rest.” “No, Gwenneth, I think we must be close to leaving this place. We will go a little farther, then there is another tunnel that will lead us out.” “Sidhon, no, we must rest a little.” Sidhon relented to Gwenneth’s request. “Oh, thank you laddie.” Gimli said as he collapsed on the ground. Gwenneth and Galasgalen sat down also. But Legolas and Sidhon opted to stand. “Sidhon, I must ask your forgiveness. I have doubted you, and I….” Legolas stopped short. For he saw something in Sidhon’s eyes that he had not seen in an elf before: they were filled with evilness, hatred and malice. Sidhon then smiled crookedly…it was a very evil looking smile. He then snatched up Gimli’s ax and began banging one of the old, stone, walls with it, while saying, “I shall kill you all! You all shall die here, and you will never see the light of day!” he then laughed a laugh so evil that, had Legolas not realized something had possessed his friend he would have killed Sidhon. Gwenneth tried to stop Sidhon, but he just shoved her to the ground and kept on with his insane actions. Soon, rocks began tumbling down from the ceiling. The mine was caving in! “Galasgalen, Gwenneth, Gimli! We must get out of here, come, quickly!” Legolas shouted to his friends. “We cannot leave Sidhon here!” Gwenneth protested. “I’m sorry Gwenneth, we must go, now. Come, there is nothing we can do for him!” Legolas beckoned to his friend. Gimli grabbed his ax, and Sidhon did not mind, for he was too busy laughing that evil laugh. Gwenneth ran after the others, but not without glancing back at her friend, a boulder blocked her view, and she kept going. Legolas ran blindly through the darkness, somehow feeling something guiding him. Dodging boulders he led his three friends to that other tunnel Sidhon had spoken about. In the distance he could see a ray of light. “Come, we are almost there!” he called back. No answer. Gimli was by his side; And Gwenneth came into view, but where was Galasgalen. “Gwenneth, where has Galasgalen gone?” “Is she not there?” “No, she isn’t, lassie!” Gimli answered. Gwenneth’s face filled with concern, and she would have gone back to search for her friend, but Legolas stopped her. “Gwenneth, no! You and Gimli must get out of here, I will go back for her.” Just then, a big bolder came crashing down. Legolas pushed Gwenneth forward, and the boulder blocked the way between them. All Legolas could do now was go back for Galasgalen. He found her, not too far back. She was on the ground. She looked rather dead. “Galasgalen! Wake up!” He shook her but he could not awake his friend. He lifted her up and began to desperately to find a way out. “Stop, Legolas.” There came a voice inside his head. One he had never heard before. It was soft and light, and kind of…silvery. But even though he had not heard it before, he felt it belonged to whatever had been following him and his friends through their whole journey. “Now turn right.” Legolas turned right. “Go straight until you come to the fork in the path.” Legolas did as he was instructed. “Now, you must choose for yourself.” Legolas cleared his mind. “Right.” He spoke aloud. He looked down at the pale face of Galasgalen; he gripped her more tightly and turned right. Sure enough, he could see light in the distance. He ran as fast as he could. But the light began to dim. “No!” he cried out, “Noooo!” But he kept going. He was much relieved to find that the only reason for the light dimming was because the sun was setting. He stepped out into the open, breathing the fresh air once more. He placed Galasgalen gently on the ground. And began calling for the others. “Gimli, Gwenneth!” He called over and over again. His face filled with relief as the tow came into view. Gwenneth ran swiftly over to Legolas. Gimli was running too, but he was moving rather slowly. Gwenneth embraced Legolas with tears in her eyes, “We thought we’d lost you!” “Do not distress, Gwenneth. For I am here, but I am afraid Galasgalen is not.” He said grimly as he gestured to the motionless Elf that lay on the ground. Gimli soon joined them giving Legolas a hug also. Gwenneth knelt down next to Galasgalen, checking for any signs of life. She felt Galasgalen’s wrist, looking for a pulse. “She is still alive, just unconscious.” This news cheered Gimli and Legolas somewhat. “Legolas, we must find shelter, rain clouds are in the distance. “Yes, Gimli and I will find protection for us all. Come, Gimli.” Gimli complained ever so slightly, for he was ready to just sit down and go to sleep. Legolas had no idea how many days they had been in the mines, but how ever many it had been; they needed to find food and shelter….fast! They searched all over, not finding anything except open fields surrounding them and no food either. They started heading back to Gwenneth and Galasgalen, when Legolas heard something. It was a good sound; it was the sound of eagles! He looked up and saw four eagles coming down to the ground! They landed next to Legolas and he climbed onto one, and Gimli another. They took flight along with the other two. Legolas knew that he didn’t have to tell them where to go, for they were smart and they would find Gwenneth and Galasgalen. The eagles did just as Legolas knew they would. They flew swiftly over to where the two Elf maidens were. Legolas had hoped to find that Galasgalen had awoken from slumber, but she was still unconscious. Legolas dismounted his eagle to help Gwenneth put Galasgalen onto one of the kind creatures. When that was done, Gwenneth and Legolas both mounted their own eagles and the four were off. Where they were going, they did not know. But the eagles knew, for they had been sent by Varda, the highest of the Valarier. Legolas soon fell asleep, as did Gimli, and Gwenneth. So, it was unknown to the four how long it took them to get exactly where they were going. When Legolas finally awoke, he found himself in a bed, with soft blankets covering him. The sunshine warmed his face, and soothed him. I am in Rivendell! He realized. He sat up and found a robe of a silvery blue shade at the end of his bed. Legolas shook his head and just stayed in his Mirkwoodian clothes. He got out of bed and walked over to the balcony, he looked down below. Elves stood or sat around, some frisked about. They all appeared very happy. And they should be: for there had been peace in Middle Earth for a couple years, since Frodo had destroyed the Ring. Legolas noticed two particular Elves that looked very familiar. He looked harder and found them to be Gwenneth and Galasgalen! They both were dressed in clothes that the Elves of Rivendell wore. Just then, Legolas sensed someone entering the room; he spun around and found Elrond standing there. “Welcome, Legolas, prince of Mirkwood. I am glad to see you up and about.” “Layaa govonnen, my lord.” Legolas said nodding his head. Elrond joined Legolas on the balcony.
“Your friend has healed nicely, and Gwenneth is glad to be home.”

“You know Gwenneth?”

“Why, she is my brother’s daughter.”

“She did not tell me any such thing.”

“Well, not all things are meant to be told.” Elrond said in his usual dreary tone of voice. “Ahh, there you are laddie!” Legolas turned and found Gimli in the doorway. “Yes, Gimli, I am here.” He replied with a smile. “Come, both of you. I want to have a meeting.” Elrond said. Legolas and Gimli followed him out of the room, and down the winding staircase. “Sadnurion,” Elrond called to a male elf that stood not too far from them. “Yes, my lord?” he answered. “Bring Gwenneth and Galasgalen to me. Sadnurion nodded and left to go find the two Elf maidens. He returned shortly: Galasgalen and Gwenneth behind him. Galasgalen was wearing a satin dress made of a dark, shiny blue, with a silver cord about her waist. The long, flowing sleeves were sheer and her long brown hair was partly pulled back by a silver cord that matched her belt. Gwenneth was dressed in a forest green dress, similar to Galasgalen’s, except Gwenneth’s belt was a golden yellow, and her hair was loose about her shoulders. A wreath of flowers was perched on her head. Legolas smiled as Galasgalen came into view. The two cousins embraced, and then they all followed Elrond into another room. “Friends, you have come to us today, and it is not just by mere chance. The Valar have protected you, and Varda has brought you to us today. A ship leaves from here to go to Valinor today. You may go if you wish, but you may choose as you like.” The three elves and one dwarf dwelled on what Elrond had said. “I will do as my friends choose.” Galasgalen offered willingly. “And I will do the same.” Gwenneth said. “I will follow Legolas to whatever end.” Gimli piped up. The three all looked at Legolas expectantly, as if they were waiting for him to decide. “I think it would be wise, melhyn nin, to take the ship to Valinor.” He said finally. “So be it.” Galasgalen stated. “Very well, I will arrange for you to travel with the Elves that will be sailing with you.” And so Elrond left. Galasgalen stared out at the elves that were having so much fun. Tears filled her eyes as memories of Sidhon flooded her mind. Gwenneth and Gimli had left, but Legolas stayed behind to comfort his hurting cousin. “Galasgalen, do not be troubled. There was nothing we could have done. He was possessed by some strange disease.” Galasgalen turned to Legolas with shock in her eyes, “What? How do you know these things?” “I do not know.” The tow were silent for some time until Legolas said, “Come, we must prepare for the journey. Our very last adventure.” So the two went to find Gimli and Gwenneth.
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“Farewell, Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood. And you too, Gimli son of Gloin. And may you find hope, Galasgalen daughter of Malindor. And to you Gwenneth, my niece. I give you all my blessing.” Elrond was saying goodbye to the small group that was travel into the west with other Elves. It was late in the afternoon of the same day that Legolas had awoken. Legolas hung his head and closed his eyes. “Legolas, what is it mellon nin?” Galasgalen asked. “I just regret that I could not see Aragorn one last time.” Just then, horses’ hooves could be heard on pounding on the ground. Legolas looked up, and there, to his astonishment, was Aragorn and his wife, Arwen Undomiel! “Legolas and Gimli, my friends.” Aragorn spoke with a smile as he dismounted. He walked over to Legolas and Gimli, and they (including the Elves that were all standing around) knelt down to the king of men. “My friends, you need not bow to me.” Aragorn informed them. They then stood up. Aragorn placed his right hand on Legolas’s left shoulder, and Legolas placed his left hand on Aragorn’s right shoulder. It was their sign of holding true to one another. Gimli then ran over and squeezed Aragorn round the middle (he was too short to give him a regular hug) “Bless you laddie, we’ll miss you.” Gimli said, with a tear glistening in one of his eyes. Aragorn laughed softly at the dwarf. Aragorn then gave Legolas a big hug, seeing him off. Arwen hugged her cousin Gwenneth, and the four companions set off. Legolas nodded to the Lady Arwen and she smiled back. The four walked up the boarding plank onto the ship with white sails. This was their last journey, and they would all take it together. “Namarie Aragorn, maer mellon nin!” Legolas called back. “Namarie.”
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The four friends were traveling with maybe about seven other elves, one of which Gwenneth though looked strangely familiar. He was tall, with long brown hair. “Excuse me, my name is Gwenneth….” The handsome elf interrupted her, “Your name is Gwenneth? And you grew up in Rivendell?” He asked, and she nodded. “My name is Figwit.” “Figwit?! It cannot be!” She hugged him. “Legolas, Gimli, Galasgalen, come here.” The three came over. “I want you to meet someone, this is Figwit. He was my playmate growing up.” Gwenneth introduced him to her friends. “So, we are five companions once more.” Gimli said joyously. They laughed with him. Many hours later, the white shore of Valinor appeared on the horizon. Legolas stood at the prow of the boat, gazing at the white shoreline that was more beautiful than anything he could have imagined. He could just barely see the Trees of Valinor, shining ever so brightly. Galasgalen came and stood at his side. “So, our journey has come to an end.” Legolas said with a little hint of sadness in his voice. “No,” said Galasgalen, “it is a beginning. Sailing to the White Shores is not an end; it is only the beginning of a whole new life.” ~ ~Across the sea
A pale moon rises
The ships have come
To carry you home

And all will turn to silver glass
A light on the water
Grey ships pass
Into the West~
~Excerpts from Into The West (rotk soundtrack)