Moirae
Prologue: Aear

A/N: I have recently developed a love for Aragorn and Legolas (friendship or otherwise), and I wanted to explore more about what happened between them when Aragorn died, and Legolas sailed over Sea. I hope you like it!

The title is from Greek mythology, in which the Moirae (or the Fates) controlled everyone's destiny.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot. Lyrics ("If I could wish...") are from the song "Two Voices One Song" from the soundtrack of Barbie and the Diamond Castle. (Pleeeease don't ask. My sister made me watch it with her. The music's really not that bad, you know. And the movie's pretty funny.)

"You don't have to do this, you know."

"I want to go," I lie.

He narrows his eyes suspiciously, and I do my best to maintain my innocent expression.

"Are you sure, Legolas?" he presses on. I nod. I'm pretty sure he sees through me, but he lets it slide this time—though I know he will be watching me like his eagle namesake for any signs of pain.

Imrahil, Prince of Dol Amroth, has invited Aragorn to visit him—"and bring your family," he added in his letter. Eldarion has never been to the ocean, and Arwen wants to take him along. Seven-year-old Eldarion, who greatly resembles his father, wanted me to go as well, and so it was decided. After all, no one can refuse him anything—just like his father had been when he was young.

Imrahil welcomes us warmly, though I think he is surprised to see me, and even more surprised when Eldarion calls me Uncle.

The young Prince giggles when he first touches the cold water. His mother smiles lovingly, pointing out the different seabirds flying about. After some time, she turns to Aragorn. "Watch him for a while. I have to go get something."

I watch Aragorn and Eldarion from my perch atop a rock, smiling as the boy splashes water at his father. Suddenly, Eldarion loses his balance, and falls. Aragorn almost cries out, but then Eldarion stands, shaking the water from his dark hair, grinning brightly up at his father. My breath catches slightly when I realize how much Eldarion resembles Estel.

"Legolas!" Aragorn calls to me. "You look so bored. Come and join us." I smile, but refuse. He insists, "Come."

I grin cheekily. "Is that an order, Aran nîn?" He chuckles. "I can make it one," he mock-threatens. I laugh, leaping lightly to my feet. "All right, all right. I'm coming."

Once I am within firing range, he flicks water at me, and I dodge it, having been expecting it. Eldarion laughs, following his father's example. I retaliate, and within minutes, we are all soaked to the skin.

A white seagull swoops overhead, its yellow beak open as it calls.

A sudden spasm of pain shoots through the left side of my chest, and involuntarily I reach up to clutch at it. Aragorn takes a step towards me, his face concerned. His lips form my name, but I hear no more as the cold water hits my back.

Aragorn and Eldarion scream.

The next thing I am aware of is hot sand on my back. Aragorn is kneeling by me, his silvery-blue eyes wildly panicked. "I'm sorry," he whispers, calming slightly when he sees that I am all right. "That was so stupid of me. I should have known better."

I shake my head, ignoring how just that simple movement makes my vision swim dizzyingly. "You blame yourself too much."

Eldarion comes to us then. "Ada," he says, his sweet voice filled with concern. "Will Uncle be all right?"

I smile at him reassuringly, pushing myself into a sitting position. "I'm fine, tithen pen." He nods, easily convinced, and goes back to the water's edge. Aragorn just looks at me, quietly despairing. "I do not understand, Lassë," he says softly, using my old nickname. Eldarion does not hear us. "The Sea-longing is tearing you apart. I can see it. Yet still you stay."

"I stay for you, Estel." I look him in the eyes, gently brushing my hand across his cheek. "I cannot leave Arda when such strong ties still bind me." Aragorn closes his eyes, a tear trickling down his cheek. He starts to speak, but I do not let him finish. "Do not be sorry, mellon nîn. I do not regret it."

If I could wish for one thing, I'd take the smile that you bring. Wherever you go in this world, I'll come along. Together we dream the same dream. Forever I'm here for you, you're here for me. Two voices, one song.

A/N: I was actually not planning to have a prologue, but this was somewhat inspired by a recent visit to Nandaihe Beach (a few hours' drive from Beijing). Anyway, please read and review! Let me know how I did :)

Translations:
Aear—sea
Aran nîn—my King
Tithen pen—little one
Lassë—leaf (used in this story as Legolas' nickname)
Mellon nîn—my friend