Her time had come. She had both feared and longed for this day. The call was stronger now than anything holding her to this realm. Even the beauty of her beloved Lothlorien was already beginning to fade in her ancient mind as she stood gazing out at the sea.

She felt Celeborn's presence, his mind reaching out to hers, resting shared memories and wishes there for her safekeeping.

Galadriel smiled sadly. He had chosen to remain behind, and she understood. Arda's spell was still strong on him. Love for the earth and the woods were the cradle of his soul, as the longing for the sea had become the cradle of hers. Celeborn's heart rested in the breasts of those of their kin remaining. Galadriel's heart was no longer here. No longer with her companion.

She was becoming a shadow, drifting across Arda at the whim of Anon. In the West, she would continue to be Galadriel - gentled by time and blessedly free of power and responsibility.

She boarded the ship and only turned to look back when land was nearly out of sight. With the next blink of her eyes, Arda would be lost to her. Celeborn, her grandchildren, and the remaining Galadhrim would continue on without her. She was no longer needed, and relief flooded her soul. With a grateful smile, she closed her eyes.

End