Night Is Falling Chapter 3
Title: Night Is Falling - Chapter 3 - Doleful Duty
Type: Fictional Person Fic - Mixed Bookverse and Movieverse
Author: Piratelf
Rating: PG for Angst
Cast: Legolas, Gimli
Warning: Angst
Disclaimer: Legolas and Gimli belong to the estate of
J.R.R. Tolkien. No profit will be made from this work.
Beta: CaptainoGondor
Timeline: Fourth Age
Summary: The Funeral of King Elessar
Author’s Note: Sarah told me she appreciated that the story featured an elderly Gimli. So I told her my inspiration, I thought you might like to know too.
It was inspired by this quote from John Rhys-Davies -
"There is a lovely thing that in a way we couldn’t do
because we have Ian Holm’s character going off on that
last boat. But in the book at the end, [you have this]
eternal and young and youthful Legolas and … this very
aged dwarf with white hair and they take him off on
the boat as well."
Jeffrey Overstreet's Interview with John Rhys-Davies
And listening to 'Into The West' from the soundtrack. I imagined it being Legolas singing to Gimli as they sail. And out of those images this came.
Chapter 1 - Troubled Sleep
Chapter 2 - Quiet Harmony
Chapter 3
Doleful Duty
The procession was quickly assembled at the lowest level of the White City. Eldarion was at the head, carrying the king’s standard, which was edged in wide blue silk ribbons which hung from each corner and trailed on the ground, denoting sorrow and signifying the death of the king. Gimli walked behind, carrying the crown on the same pillow used for the coronation. Next was Legolas, leading Frea of the line of Brego, Aragorn’s last horse. Frea was wearing Aragorn’s empty saddle and Legolas was wearing Aragorn’s empty scabbard, which was to honor the death of a great warrior. After them were Arwen and her daughters in a litter, followed by the Royal Guard, led by Barahir, grandson of Faramir. They made their way slowly through the gates and up each level, singing a traditional lament. All of Gondor was there, lining the streets, throwing flowers before the procession, and joining it once it passed them. In this way the procession grew larger and larger in length as they neared their destination.
Legolas worried that the route was longer than Gimli’s endurance, but the Dwarf waved away any attempts at help, and wouldn’t even allow Legolas to finish a whispered suggestion that he might ride in the litter.
At their slow pace it took nearly two hours to reach the sixth circle. Barahir came forward as they approached the Closed Door.
He raised the white rod of his office and called out the ritual words, not used for generations, since the last Numenorian King had given up his life so that his son could rule. “I, Barahir Elboronian, of the House of Hurin, the Steward of Gondor, command the Porter to appear!”
The Porter came from behind his door. “I am the Porter.”
“Are you the Keeper of the Keys of Fen Hollin?” Barahir asked.
“I am.” The Porter answered.
“Who last passed this door?”
“King Aragorn the Second, Elessar, of the House of Telcontar.”
“Open the door that we may honor him!”
The Porter opened the door and the procession continued down the road toward, Rath Dinen, the Silent Street. The tenders of the dead had been at work and the pillars of the balusters were scrubbed and gleaming. Finally they had descended to The Hallows and Eldarion turned toward House of Kings, where Aragorn had lain down on his own slab to die. He was laid in state there for all of his family, friends and subjects to pay their last respects.
Eldarion entered first with his mother and sisters. Then Legolas and Gimli were called to enter. They each honored him according to their own beliefs. Gimli placed a jewel in his hand, so he would not be without beauty. Legolas bowed his head and put his fist to his shoulder in the Elvish sign of honor, and recited a prayer that he would find peace. “Hiro hon hîdh ab 'wanath.”
Then they helped their nieces back into their litter and walked with Eldarion and Barahir back to the seventh circle and returned Frea to his stable. Arwen stayed, gazing upon her lover’s face, and would not be moved.
The people filed through until nightfall. When all had seen him, he was placed inside his stone coffin by candlelight and the capstone sealed. Arwen was the last to leave him.
That night, Legolas did not sleep. This did not bother Gimli since he had slept the night before. Gimli knew he may not sleep again for a week or more. What did bother Gimli was that he sat all night on a wall of the citadel, looking south toward the sea.
The next day, Legolas privately asked Arwen if he might have a very old pair of Gondorian vambraces which Aragorn kept in a wooden box by his bed.
“Boromir’s vambraces?” She smiled. “Of course, they should be yours. They should be always with a member of the fellowship.”
“Hannon le, Arwen Undomiel.” Legolas took the box gratefully.
“It is a long time since I have been called that.” She smiled. “I am no longer the evenstar of our people . . . your people.”
“You won’t stay long in Middle-earth, will you?” Legolas asked.
“No. I am going to return to Lothlorian, and then I will lie down, as my love has done.”
“I will escort you.” He took her hand.
She smiled fondly but shook her head. “Thank you for your kindness, but I would prefer that you not. I should like to farewell you here, then say goodbye to my children, then return to the golden wood with only my memories of Aragorn for company. In the silence, I can still feel his presence near me.”
“I understand.”
“And what will you do, Legolas?” She brushed a strand of hair behind a pointed ear.
“Gimli and I will return to Ithilien. I’m sure he’ll wish to travel to Aglarond soon, before the wet weather comes.”
“Yes, but, you won’t stay in Middle-earth?” She asked, knowing the pain of the sea-longing was already in her friend.
“I. . . I must stay with Gimli.” He said, then paused for a long moment. “Then, after . . . I suppose I’ll sail,” he said sadly.
“You must, Greenleaf. You cannot resist the sea-longing forever. The pain only increases.”
He nodded, not looking at her.
She took a deep breath. “When you do, could you please tell my Ada that I was happy. That we were happy together, and that I have no regrets.”
“Of course.”
She turned away and took a small book out of her drawer. “Will you take this to him?”
He took the book and untied its lacings. It held sketches of herself, Aragorn, and their children. Legolas smiled. “I’ll be honored to take him such a precious gift.”
“Hannon le, Legolas Thranduillion.” She placed her palm on his cheek.
He returned the affection, then bowed to her and returned to his rooms.
Gimli was resting when he entered. “What is that you have?”
Legolas handed him the box. “Something from long ago.”
Gimli opened the box and took out the vambraces. “Oh . . .” tears welled in his eyes. “Boromir was a good man.”
“Yes,” Legolas agreed. “A man of honor and compassion. He was a brave warrior as well.”
“I still remember when we came upon him and Aragorn. I can see it like it was yesterday.” Gimli sniffed and wiped his eyes.
Legolas sat down on the bed. “I couldn’t believe it. I just . . . could not believe it was happening.”
Gimli patted his leg. Legolas took his hand. They sat in silence for some time, lost in memory.
“Do you ever think that we could have fought harder to get to him after the horn sounded?” Gimli asked.
“Yes, but I know we couldn’t, Gimli. We were outnumbered, and the Orcs weren’t going to stand aside as we ran past. I know we did our best,” Legolas said. He put his hand on Gimli’s cheek and looked into the Dwarf’s deep brown eyes. “My memory is different than yours, as you once reminded me. It does not change or fade. I remember it as it was. We fought with all our might. The grief is something we feel because we loved him. But I will not have you feel guilt, Dwarf. That is a lie your mind is telling you. You are blameless.”
“Aye, I suppose you’re right.” Gimli said.
Legolas took the vambraces and turned them over in his hands thoughtfully. “Gimli, do you know if Men find it disrespectful to move the bones of the dead once they’ve been put to rest?”
The Dwarf looked at him strangely. “What are you thinking of?”
“I wonder if it would be possible to place Merry and Pippin beside Aragorn, or would that be improper?”
Gimli thought, a slight smile on his face. “That’s a grand idea, laddie.”
“I shall ask Eldarion then.”
Chapter 4 - Loyalty and Sacrifice
Type: Fictional Person Fic - Mixed Bookverse and Movieverse
Author: Piratelf
Rating: PG for Angst
Cast: Legolas, Gimli
Warning: Angst
Disclaimer: Legolas and Gimli belong to the estate of
J.R.R. Tolkien. No profit will be made from this work.
Beta: CaptainoGondor
Timeline: Fourth Age
Summary: The Funeral of King Elessar
Author’s Note: Sarah told me she appreciated that the story featured an elderly Gimli. So I told her my inspiration, I thought you might like to know too.
It was inspired by this quote from John Rhys-Davies -
"There is a lovely thing that in a way we couldn’t do
because we have Ian Holm’s character going off on that
last boat. But in the book at the end, [you have this]
eternal and young and youthful Legolas and … this very
aged dwarf with white hair and they take him off on
the boat as well."
Jeffrey Overstreet's Interview with John Rhys-Davies
And listening to 'Into The West' from the soundtrack. I imagined it being Legolas singing to Gimli as they sail. And out of those images this came.
Chapter 1 - Troubled Sleep
Chapter 2 - Quiet Harmony
Chapter 3
Doleful Duty
The procession was quickly assembled at the lowest level of the White City. Eldarion was at the head, carrying the king’s standard, which was edged in wide blue silk ribbons which hung from each corner and trailed on the ground, denoting sorrow and signifying the death of the king. Gimli walked behind, carrying the crown on the same pillow used for the coronation. Next was Legolas, leading Frea of the line of Brego, Aragorn’s last horse. Frea was wearing Aragorn’s empty saddle and Legolas was wearing Aragorn’s empty scabbard, which was to honor the death of a great warrior. After them were Arwen and her daughters in a litter, followed by the Royal Guard, led by Barahir, grandson of Faramir. They made their way slowly through the gates and up each level, singing a traditional lament. All of Gondor was there, lining the streets, throwing flowers before the procession, and joining it once it passed them. In this way the procession grew larger and larger in length as they neared their destination.
Legolas worried that the route was longer than Gimli’s endurance, but the Dwarf waved away any attempts at help, and wouldn’t even allow Legolas to finish a whispered suggestion that he might ride in the litter.
At their slow pace it took nearly two hours to reach the sixth circle. Barahir came forward as they approached the Closed Door.
He raised the white rod of his office and called out the ritual words, not used for generations, since the last Numenorian King had given up his life so that his son could rule. “I, Barahir Elboronian, of the House of Hurin, the Steward of Gondor, command the Porter to appear!”
The Porter came from behind his door. “I am the Porter.”
“Are you the Keeper of the Keys of Fen Hollin?” Barahir asked.
“I am.” The Porter answered.
“Who last passed this door?”
“King Aragorn the Second, Elessar, of the House of Telcontar.”
“Open the door that we may honor him!”
The Porter opened the door and the procession continued down the road toward, Rath Dinen, the Silent Street. The tenders of the dead had been at work and the pillars of the balusters were scrubbed and gleaming. Finally they had descended to The Hallows and Eldarion turned toward House of Kings, where Aragorn had lain down on his own slab to die. He was laid in state there for all of his family, friends and subjects to pay their last respects.
Eldarion entered first with his mother and sisters. Then Legolas and Gimli were called to enter. They each honored him according to their own beliefs. Gimli placed a jewel in his hand, so he would not be without beauty. Legolas bowed his head and put his fist to his shoulder in the Elvish sign of honor, and recited a prayer that he would find peace. “Hiro hon hîdh ab 'wanath.”
Then they helped their nieces back into their litter and walked with Eldarion and Barahir back to the seventh circle and returned Frea to his stable. Arwen stayed, gazing upon her lover’s face, and would not be moved.
The people filed through until nightfall. When all had seen him, he was placed inside his stone coffin by candlelight and the capstone sealed. Arwen was the last to leave him.
That night, Legolas did not sleep. This did not bother Gimli since he had slept the night before. Gimli knew he may not sleep again for a week or more. What did bother Gimli was that he sat all night on a wall of the citadel, looking south toward the sea.
The next day, Legolas privately asked Arwen if he might have a very old pair of Gondorian vambraces which Aragorn kept in a wooden box by his bed.
“Boromir’s vambraces?” She smiled. “Of course, they should be yours. They should be always with a member of the fellowship.”
“Hannon le, Arwen Undomiel.” Legolas took the box gratefully.
“It is a long time since I have been called that.” She smiled. “I am no longer the evenstar of our people . . . your people.”
“You won’t stay long in Middle-earth, will you?” Legolas asked.
“No. I am going to return to Lothlorian, and then I will lie down, as my love has done.”
“I will escort you.” He took her hand.
She smiled fondly but shook her head. “Thank you for your kindness, but I would prefer that you not. I should like to farewell you here, then say goodbye to my children, then return to the golden wood with only my memories of Aragorn for company. In the silence, I can still feel his presence near me.”
“I understand.”
“And what will you do, Legolas?” She brushed a strand of hair behind a pointed ear.
“Gimli and I will return to Ithilien. I’m sure he’ll wish to travel to Aglarond soon, before the wet weather comes.”
“Yes, but, you won’t stay in Middle-earth?” She asked, knowing the pain of the sea-longing was already in her friend.
“I. . . I must stay with Gimli.” He said, then paused for a long moment. “Then, after . . . I suppose I’ll sail,” he said sadly.
“You must, Greenleaf. You cannot resist the sea-longing forever. The pain only increases.”
He nodded, not looking at her.
She took a deep breath. “When you do, could you please tell my Ada that I was happy. That we were happy together, and that I have no regrets.”
“Of course.”
She turned away and took a small book out of her drawer. “Will you take this to him?”
He took the book and untied its lacings. It held sketches of herself, Aragorn, and their children. Legolas smiled. “I’ll be honored to take him such a precious gift.”
“Hannon le, Legolas Thranduillion.” She placed her palm on his cheek.
He returned the affection, then bowed to her and returned to his rooms.
Gimli was resting when he entered. “What is that you have?”
Legolas handed him the box. “Something from long ago.”
Gimli opened the box and took out the vambraces. “Oh . . .” tears welled in his eyes. “Boromir was a good man.”
“Yes,” Legolas agreed. “A man of honor and compassion. He was a brave warrior as well.”
“I still remember when we came upon him and Aragorn. I can see it like it was yesterday.” Gimli sniffed and wiped his eyes.
Legolas sat down on the bed. “I couldn’t believe it. I just . . . could not believe it was happening.”
Gimli patted his leg. Legolas took his hand. They sat in silence for some time, lost in memory.
“Do you ever think that we could have fought harder to get to him after the horn sounded?” Gimli asked.
“Yes, but I know we couldn’t, Gimli. We were outnumbered, and the Orcs weren’t going to stand aside as we ran past. I know we did our best,” Legolas said. He put his hand on Gimli’s cheek and looked into the Dwarf’s deep brown eyes. “My memory is different than yours, as you once reminded me. It does not change or fade. I remember it as it was. We fought with all our might. The grief is something we feel because we loved him. But I will not have you feel guilt, Dwarf. That is a lie your mind is telling you. You are blameless.”
“Aye, I suppose you’re right.” Gimli said.
Legolas took the vambraces and turned them over in his hands thoughtfully. “Gimli, do you know if Men find it disrespectful to move the bones of the dead once they’ve been put to rest?”
The Dwarf looked at him strangely. “What are you thinking of?”
“I wonder if it would be possible to place Merry and Pippin beside Aragorn, or would that be improper?”
Gimli thought, a slight smile on his face. “That’s a grand idea, laddie.”
“I shall ask Eldarion then.”
Chapter 4 - Loyalty and Sacrifice