I Will Always Come Back

Chapter 12

Tauriel ran to me when she heard the avalanche approaching. Even with our enhanced Elven senses, we had very little warning before the avalanche reached us. As Tauriel clanged to me for dear life, I threw us against the mountainside, just in time. The snow came tumbling down on top of us. Then, all I could think of was Míreth. I prayed she was alright. Did she get buried under the snow and ice before she could reach the mountainside? Did she fall off? I wish I had grabbed her, too. Soon, it was over, and we were all buried under ten feet of snow. I dug upward, wanting to find Míreth as soon as possible.

When I reached the top, all I saw was snow. Everywhere. There was no sign of anyone else, except Tauriel, who had been in the same spot as me. "Míreth!" I cried out. I tried again. "Míreth!" Still no answer. She had to be here somewhere. I crawled up still higher, so I was standing on top of the snow. Then, I started digging. I dug away as much snow as I could. It felt like ages, but it was actually only a few minutes. I started to lose hope as I searched. She might have died. I quickly shoved the thought out from my mind. She can't be dead. I could feel it in my heart she wasn't dead.

Then, I saw a blue silhouette it the snow. It was a light, as though a greenish blue fire had been started underneath. It got bigger and bigger, until it finally melted through the surface of the snow. I walked over to it, and saw Gandalf. Beside him was a small figure lying sprawled on the ground. "Míreth!" I cried out in shock. I jumped down into the hole in the ground to crouch beside her.

Her eyelids fluttered open, looking into my own. "Legolas?" she said groggily. I almost laughed in relief. Hearing her voice made me so happy. I thought I had lost her forever.

"Yes," I said, "It's me." I reached out and grabbed her hand, which was cold as ice. I reached for the other one, which was equally as cold. I held them for a moment, trying to warm them up. When they didn't, and Míreth was still lying on the ground shivering, I looked to Gandalf. "Please, Gandalf," I begged, "Can you warm her up?"

He heard the pleading in my voice, and the desperation in my face, then said, "I can try. However, it may not work." I nodded, letting him know that I would do whatever it takes to get her safe. He walked over to her, and I continued to hold her hands. He placed a hand over her eyes, and said, "Lauka." (Warm).

Slowly, I saw the colour return to her face, and felt her hands warm up as I held them. She stopped shivering, and looked up at me. I smiled at her, and she smiled back. Then, she looked to Gandalf. "Thank you, Mithrandir." He smiled in acknowledgement. Then, I picked her up, one hand just below her neck, the other in the crook of her knee. I carried her to the top of the snow, then placed her on her feet. Her balance wavered for a moment, and I put my hands behind her back. But, luckily, she regained her balance, and stood without assistance. I smiled at her, wanting to make sure she knew I was relieved.

Gandalf continued his tunneling, and the rest of us continued to walk above the snow. We would get out of these horrid mountains soon. I hated them. They just seemed to cause pain wherever you went in them. The cold. The thin air. The rock. I hated it all. I just wanted to be free of them, and to wander in the forest of Mirkwood again. Or at least some other forest or plain. I was sick and tired of this endless road of stone and snow.

Soon, the snow ceased to fall, and soon, there was none at all. I silently thanked the Valar. There would be no more avalanches. I moved closer to Míreth. I could have lost her. If Gandalf hadn't decided to come with us, she could have been dead by now. Then again, so would I. Also, so would Tauriel. Gandalf saved us all when Arnos captured us. I realized just how lucky our group was, even though we may not notice it. I took that moment to thank the Valar once again for saving us.

Snapping out of my trance, I walked over to Tauriel. "You haven't said much since the avalanche hit," I said, "Are you alright?"

I watched as she considered this for a moment. Then she said, "No." I could tell she was being truthful by the pain in her eyes.

"What's wrong?" I asked, though I thought I already knew the answer.

Tauriel sighed as she thought. "I'm jealous. I know jealousy isn't an honest feeling to have, but it's true. I'm jealous of Míreth. Of how you always choose her instead of me." She paused, then continued, "I love you."

A little taken aback, I looked at her in wonder. I considered what she said. Was she telling the truth? Of course she was. I could see it in her eyes. Why, though? She was the captain of the guard. She was one of the most beautiful Elves in Mirkwood, certainly the only one with red hair. She had everything, including my love. I saved her from the avalanche, not Míreth. She really loved me - that much was obvious. Then I said, "I love you, and even though I also love Míreth, know that you always come first. You are the one I love."

I watched as Tauriel's eyes filled with care and affection. What had I done? I have given her false hope. I couldn't possibly stay with her during these times, when all of the world is at stake. However, it was true. I chose her over Míreth, but how would Míreth react when I spend more time with Tauriel than with her?

We walked in silence, still standing next to each other. A few moments later, I became aware that we had our hands clasped together, fingers intertwined as we walked through the mountains and toward the plains ahead. I didn't pull away, equally not wanting to hurt her, and because I was enjoying it. My life had finally come to a moment of complete contentment, happiness, and joy. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Gandalf give us a small smile, then he looked away and continued walking.

Finally, we reached the plains. I caught my breath at the sight. The plains were much greener and more luscious than I imagined. The grass wasn't a yellowish green, it had a bit more of a blue tinge to it. It grew thick and tall, with wildflowers sprouting through every few steps. The overall effect was quite calming and pleasing. I squeezed Tauriel's hand, overcome with the plain's beauty. I looked at her, and she had a look of awe on her face. Her eyes were wide, and her mouth was slightly open. In her eyes, I could tell she loved the sight just as much as I did.

While we just stood there, everyone else had started to go onward, but I continued to gaze at Tauriel. She looked back at me, the same emotion I had seen for days was back in her eyes, making me want to fall head over heels in love with her. I leaned closer, as did she. Soon, we were inches apart. I kept moving closer, until our lips finally met.