B2MeM Challenge: March 9, 2013
Format: Fixed-length Ficlet (300 words, tribble)
Genre: Vignette
Rating: PG
Warnings: Discussion of canon death
Character(s): Legolas, Gimli (Merry, Pippin implied)
Summary: Legolas and Gimli grieve.
Quote:  “Death is their fate, the gift of Ilúvatar, which as Time wears even the Powers shall envy.” (The Silmarillion)

The stone was of great comfort to Gimli, son of Gloin. He ran his hand over the granite likeness of Meriadoc, and his eyes filled as he gazed at the likeness of Peregrin, their greatness of heart and courage now memorialized for the future generations of Men, to remember how it was the smallest who had saved them all. But stone was no comfort to his companion, who turned on his heel and fled.

He did not pursue right away. He could not have kept up. But he knew where to find his friend. He made his way to the Court of the White Tree, where Legolas stood before it.

He stood beside the Elf silently; they were united in grief, and yet divided by it as well.

After what seemed a long time, Legolas spoke. "How do you stand it, Gimli? It is different to lose someone in battle--but this swift march of years stealing my friends from me one by one, while I am left standing behind with no way to reach them any longer is more difficult than I ever thought it would be."

Gimli shook his head. "The march of years is slow to me; mortals share that march together, growing older, sharing the pains and ills of age with one another, sharing the joys of watching young ones grow, until we have the fullness of our lives. We do grieve to see others go before us, but most of the time we know they are ready and that we will be ready one day ourselves."

"But you do not know to where you go nor if you will be reunited."

"We do not need to know, only to believe. It is the way of things."

"It is a Gift at least, not to grieve forever."