I feel something lurching out of my throat. I come to my arms and start throwing up black ooze. It looks like tar. I feel my color and strength returning. Father grabs me. The pain is gone, well most of it. Malachi stands up.

"Legolas?" Father asks me.

"I'm sorry." I cough.

"It's not your fault." He says.

"I'm not going to prison or going back." Malachi turns. 

"Where are you going?" Father asks.

I hear a noise. We turn. I see the little fawn coming over. How'd he follow us all the way here? It doesn't matter. I am relieved he is here. I move my hand. I reach for it. The little fawn rubs its head into my hand. Malachi turns.

~<0>~ ~<0>~ ~<0>~

"Malachi, where are you going?" Father asks.

"I figured I'd skip the whole prison thing." I rip off my cloak.

"Please, come here." Father reaches out.

"Did you... did you ever love me?" I ask looking at him.

"Yes." He says.

"That's all I needed to hear for over two thousand years." I say.

I walk to the ledge. I let out a breath. My vengeance is fulfilled. I finally know the truth. Maybe I won't hate him as much now. It's over for me. I can feel the arrow wounds. I feel... peace. Finally. I look up. The sun was coming up. It feels nice the warmth. I look down. It's a long way down.

"Malachi, get away from the ledge son." He says.

"Hmhm. You called me son." I say.

"You've always been my son." He says.

"Thank you." I say.

I walk off the ledge. I have peace now. I do not wish to fight anymore. Saurman can go choke it. I am at peace now. I'll find new peace in the lands of the dead. I can finally rest now. Brother, thank you. Thank you for everything. 

𝔗𝔥𝔢 𝔈𝔫𝔡