A Journey for Peace (LOTR/Legolas Fanfic)

Solem Goodbyes (5)

"Oh, Thurinel. Be careful my girl." Bilbo sighed, playing with one of my braids. He then took my hand and kissed the back of it. It was almost time for to go with Frodo and the Fellowship, I was saying my, possibly, final goodbyes to all my friends in Rivendell. Of course I went to Bilbo first.

"Bilbo, you know I may not come back." I said quietly. Bilbo frowned deeply and tears came to his eyes. I leaned across the bench and hugged the old hobbit tightly. "But I will make sure Frodo does." Bilbo squeezed me with all the might he could muster in his old arms.

"Please come back Thurinel. I will always need my guardian angel by my side." He said sniffling. I stroked his curly white hair.

"I know Bilbo. I will always be with you. Life or death." I kissed the top of his head. "Now I must go, I have to say goodbye to the others too." Bilbo nodded into my chest and pulled away. He took a shaky breath.

"Goodbye Thurinel. Be careful my dear." He whispered. I nodded and stood up from the bench, leaving Bilbo alone. I walked into the palace, to Gimli and Gloin's room and knocked lightly. The door opened to Gloin, who was quite distressed.

"Thurinel. I suppose you've come to say goodbye." He said quietly. I nodded and waited to be invited into his room. "Come in my dear friend." I followed the old dwarf inside his room and sat next to him on the bed. "Gimli told me how dangerous it would be. I'm proud of my wee lad, I sure hope he comes back. I hope you come back Thurinel."

I sighed. "I can't promise anything Gloin. I hope I come back too, but fate may be against me. Who knows?" Gloin took my hand.

"Please protect Gimli." He begged. I placed my hand over his.

"I give you my word. I'll protect him with my life." I gave Gloin's hand a tight squeeze as I gave him my promise.

"Yours is the one Elvish word that I actually trust." Gloin chuckled. "Thank you Thurinel. Please be safe on the quest. Try to return so that we can get together and see old friends."

I hugged Gloin tightly. "I will try. Goodbye Gloin." The old dwarf squeezed me tighter.

"Goodbye my dear elf." Gloin whispered. I kissed his forehead and pulled away from the hug. I walked out of his room and sighed. This is so very hard to do. I wandered the halls for a bit before I found Arwen. I ran over to her and engulfed her into a bone crushing hug. She yelped in surprise but hugged me back.

"Thurinel!" She cried pulling away from our hug. "Another quest? Why?"

"I cannot watch Legolas and Frodo go without me. I would die of worrying." I said solemnly. I glanced up at the taller elleth, and gave a brave smile. "Will you send us off?"

"Yes I'll be there Thurinel." She whispered. "Do you think Aragorn will survive?" I frowned at that question.

"I am not certain if Legolas or I will survive. But I will try and protect him, for you." I said. "Your beloved has mine and Legolas' protection." I said placing a hand over my heart and bowing. A horn sounded outside, signalling it was time to leave. I adjusted my leather armour and silver weapons. Arwen gave a small smile, but tears were already in her eyes. I pulled her into another hug. "It is normal to worry so much for the one you love Arwen. I would know. I have done crazy things for love, but that is what makes it all worth while."

She pulled away from the hug and the two of us walked outside. Legolas hurried outside and scooped me up by my waist, catching me off guard. I smiled as he spun me around and wrapped my arms around his neck. "Are you ready to go Thurinel?" He asked.

"Yes. It is hard to say goodbye though." I sighed. Legolas kissed my forehead, comforting my sadness and set me back down on the ground.

Legolas placed his hand know mine and tugged me along. "We must go now. Elrond is sending us off." I nodded and followed Legolas. Arwen was very close behind us, but stopped beside her father. Legolas and I went and stood next to Gandalf and Aragorn. Elrond looked at us all and sighed.