Erestor and Lindir packed the last of their belongings into the wagon, then turned to gaze at the Last Homely House one more time. The elves were leaving, heading for the Grey Havens to take the ship west, to Valinor, the Undying Lands. Most had already gone. Lord Elrond had stayed long after the War of the Ring ended, but finally the Sea beckoned and he heeded its call.
It was a time of sadness for those that remained, especially for the twins, for Arwen was not coming. She had made her choice when she married Aragorn, to stay by his side and die a mortal. He had fulfilled his destiny, claimed the crown, and reunited the kingdoms of Arnor and Gondor. His reign was long, but he was not an elf, and one day, tired in mind and body, he took his last breath. Elrohir and Elladan traveled to Gondor for the funeral, then escorted their sister to the Golden Wood of Lothlórien. There, the majestic Mellryn shed their leaves in sorrow, for their time too was over. As their song died, so did Arwen's, and she succumbed to grief. The light of the Evenstar faded and went out forever.
So it was with heavy hearts that the small caravan left the place they had called home for so long. The twins, Lindir, and Erestor would travel to their final destination. The journey was not difficult and Lindir sang and tried to bring what cheer he could to the party, but he could not raise their spirits.
Their final night on Middle-earth was spent in the house of Círdan the Shipwright. It was he who would guide them over the waters to Valinor. The food was excellent and the wine of good vintage, but none tarried after the meal. There was too much sadness in their hearts.
The next morning the ship was loaded, and in the afternoon all went aboard. There was no one to see them off, but they all stood at the rail until the last glimpse of Middle-earth faded from view. Most of the elves that were making the voyage then returned to their cabins, but a few remained, including Erestor, Lindir and Elrohir.
Erestor turned to Lindir and embraced him. "Do not be sad, my love. We travel to a place of peace. Soon we will be reunited with those we have lost and our hearts will be glad again. We will make our new home one of happiness and light."
"I am not unhappy, Erestor, as long as I have you by my side, " Lindir whispered to his husband of many years.
They stood at the rail for a long time, an arm around each other's waist, hair blowing gently in the salt tinged air. Elrohir stood with them, his arms leaning against the rail as he watched the slow swell of the waves. Then another joined them and stood beside Elrohir. No one paid him much attention until he spoke. "You will be happy in Valinor," he told them. "It was the place of my birth and I loved it well."
Elrohir then glanced at the speaker. His hair was not as shiny as it used to be, and his legs were crooked, so he had a hard time walking. But he knew the face in front of him well. Elrohir stared at the elf, then embraced him, leaning his head against his shoulder. Lindir and Erestor looked at Elrohir and then at the newcomer.
The elf smiled. "Forgive me for not introducing myself...my name is Maethor."
