"Legolas." the dwarf rasped out, squeezing the hand in his. He knew his spirit was leaving him, yet he had to hold on, he had to make sure Legolas understood.
"Legolas, promise me that you will not stay here if it makes you unhappy." He coughed and tears welled up in his eyes.

The elf next to him clutched desperately at the calloused hand he held.

"Save your breath mellonin" He whispered, tears trickled down his face.

"No, listen. You have never been happy here, away from the trees and life of Middle-Earth. Do not stay because you kin loves the peace here. Do not stay because the cry of the gull drove you here. The forest is still in your heart, just as the mountain is in mine." he paused, lapsing into a coughing fit. Legolas put a hand to the dwarves brow.

"Am I truly not happy here? There is so much light here, so much peace."

Gimli smiled, his white beard twitching in suppressed laughter.

"You were happy Legolas, but as the time has passed, you have looked to the horizon as your thoughts stray to the past. You are used to constant fighting and danger, more so than the other elves of your realm. The peace sets you on edge, you do not like having no obligations or worries. You miss seeing the rapid pace of mortals and the fire in their spirits. You belong in Middle-Earth, not here in this realm."

The elf's gaze cleared as the words from his old friend sank into his mind. Gimli smiled. His heart-brother would now have the courage to return to the world of man and leave his kin. He had known he would never survive the journey to Middle-Earth and knew that Legolas would not leave without him, but now there would be nothing holding him back.

"Thank you my friend. You are very wise for a dwarf."

"Ha. You are less ignorant that most elves, finally admitting the superiority of a dwarf."

Legolas smiled a sad smile, remembering times when their insults were meant to hurt, when they were blinded by the prejudices of their race.

"Legolas, I hear my ancestors calling me. I will not be here much longer. Remember this, I will be reborn in the next age, find me. Until then, your duty is to the descendents of Aragorn, protect them, protect the one true king." He closed his eyes, his breathing slowing.

"I will my friend. I will protect Aragorn's line and then when you are reborn, you will join me. I swear on the soul of Eru."

Gimli smiled.