The Last Light of the Star

24 - For Those We Care For

A week had past since Arryin revealed her powers to the Mirkwood Prince and she was doing her best to avoid him.

Currently, she sat high upon the tree tops of the forest, getting lost in the stars and her thoughts.

The Ranger was angry at herself. She never should have told him her true identity. Her survival depended on the secrecy of her existence and she completely blew that away. It was a grave mistake alright, and it could end up getting her killed. How could she be so mindless? Not to mention, Arryin didn't know how to bring up the topic between her and Legolas either. She knew he wanted answers, but she couldn't bring herself to speak of it for she never had. Her past was riddled with pain, and she didn't desire to open old wounds.

Arryin sighed and glanced down at her cut up forearm.

Speaking of wounds....

Again. Again she had done it.

She knew it was wrong but, in her mind, it was the only way to numb the pain and dull her anger. She felt as if she was suffocating from her own emotions. Everything was just too overwhelming. And, in times like these, she wished and begged that she could just fade into nothingness. She didn't want to feel this anymore; but alas, her destiny prevented that. As much as she hated the prophecy—her fate—she knew she had to fulfill her mission. She knew she had to suffer in this world and lay waste to the creatures of darkness. She needed to get her revenge.

The Wayward Elleth looked back up at the twinkling lights in the sky. The stars seemed so far away, just like the happiness in her past. She felt as if the memories of her family were disappearing for they seemed so distant. It was so long ago. Cautiously, Arryin reached upward in such a way that it seemed that she was trying to touch the lights of the night. It was as if she was reaching for hope, but if there was any, it was inevitably a lost cause.

The Ranger let her hand fall as she looked downwards. It was late and she knew she needed to get back in time for the guards' shift change. She, of course, didn't want to go back to the awkward situation—to the possibility of Legolas telling his father. However, Arryin knew she must given that she needed to protect her secret. Not that she knew exactly how she was going to do anymore that considering it was entirely too late. Legolas already knew and she most definitely couldn't kill him. Arryin was well aware that past her would probably have slapped current her right now, but her heart would never permit her to take Legolas' life. That was something she just couldn't do.

Arryin swung down from the branches and quickly made her way back to the Mirkwood Palace in trepidation.

As she didn't want to return to her chambers, she settled on wandering the castle. The moonlight shown through each window she past, creating slight shadows on the walls. The torchers upon the stone were lit and crackling, however it did not bring her comfort. The atmosphere was eerie and silent, once again; however, if she was being honest, with her broken soul, she now preferred it that way.

Arryin was just about to turn the corner when the hairs on the back of her neck stood up suddenly. She felt a shiver stretched down her spine, for she sensed another's presence.

"Arryin," the soft and gentle tone called.

The Ranger inwardly cursed as she halted on the spot.

The voice belonged to Legolas.

Slowly, Arryin turned towards him. She felt both relieved and anxious that it was him, for she didn't have the energy to deal with any other. But did she have the energy to deal with the Prince and what he inevitably would want to talk about?