I Will Always Come Back

Chapter 15

I kept watch the whole night, looking at the beautiful stars near Rivendell. They seemed to shine so much brighter as we got farther from Mordor. It was peaceful here. As I gazed at the stars, I noticed one shone brighter than the rest. It seemed to flicker and wink at me, filling me with hope and happiness. I decided I would name it Tauriel, because it made me feel like she was here beside me. However, it disappeared in the morning, making me feel empty again.

I woke Míreth gently, nudge her shoulder. She groaned groggily, wiping the sleep from her eyes. Then, she opened them, staring into mine. I picked her up bridal-style, then placed her on her feet. When she found her found her footing, I let go, but she wrapped her arms around my neck. I placed mine on her waist, then leaned forward, until our lips touched.

The kiss only lasted a few seconds, but when we pulled away, both of us were quite satisfied. Smiling gently, I said, "I'll wake Gandalf. One moment." Míreth nodded her understanding.

I walked to where Gandalf had been sleeping, but was surprised to find he was already awake, sitting cross-legged on his blankets. Feeling the colour rise onto my cheeks, I said, "How long have you been awake?"

"Long enough," he replied, a small smirk on his face. I turned away, embarrassed and angry. I wasn't mad at Gandalf, but I was mad that our first kiss had been watched by him. I walking back to Míreth, who was starting to pack her bag one last time. I decided I should do the same, and shoved my blankets into my bag, not even bothering to fold them out of excitement. I strapped the pack onto my shoulder, then set out, Gandalf in the lead, Míreth and I behind him.

As we walked, my hand started to find its way to Míreth's. When I realized this, I brought it back sharply to my side, but then looked at Míreth. She would probably think it was alright. Taking a settling breath, I reached out again, grabbing her hand. She didn't draw her hand back. She didn't even start. Instead, she smiled at me sweetly. I walked a little closer to her side, enjoying her presence. We continued on in silence.

Soon, Rivendell and its golden trees started to come into view, close enough for a Man to see it. It was even more beautiful than I had imagined it, even after I glimpsed it the day before. I smiled at its beauty. Míreth was gazing determinedly toward it. She wanted this treacherous trip to come to an end. So did I. So would any who had come with us. I bet even Arnos was starting to get tired of the road.

I wondered if Arnos would have still been with us if he hadn't betrayed us. Actually, I bet he wouldn't have even agreed to come if he wasn't working with the Enemy. I thought Tauriel might not have been dead, but she might have been, anyway. I knew no one could change the way of fate.

I snapped back to reality. Rivendell wasn't far away at all. We were almost there, just an hour or so and we would be talking to Lord Elrond in his wonderful palace. I smiled at the thought. This journey would finally be at an end. I walked for a moment, thinking about what I will do when I get there to make up for the adventure. Bathe... Maybe have a feast... Definitely a good drink or two.

Again, I shook my head, clearing it from my fantasy world. We weren't there yet, so I should savour the rest of the trip. I grabbed Míreth's hand. The first thing I would see when I stepped into Rivendell would be her eyes, those blue eyes that always made me so happy. Rivendell was only a few hundred feet away. We should be there in a few moments. Hopefully, nothing worse would happen when we got there, but I already knew that was too much to ask for. The Ring was still out there, and who knows what damage it will do.

Soon, we were there. Just a few more steps, and we would be there. I looked at Míreth, who looked back to me. I smiled. Our goal had been met. I kept walking until we reached the golden trees. We took one more step forward so we were under the canopy. We were at Rivendell.

I wanted to both laugh and scream. We made it. I couldn't help but think about how much Tauriel used to love Rivendell. It made me sad, but I just looked at Míreth again and I felt so much better. We walked into the woods until we reached the gates. We were stopped by four guards standing outside the gateway. "Welcome, Mithrandir. Welcome, Prince Legolas and Lady Míreth. Lord Elrond has been waiting for you."

"Thank you," I said to the guard. He bowed and let us inside. We went to Lord Elrond's castle, and, be for we reached it, we were greeted by Lord Elrond himself.

"Welcome to Rivendell," he said, as the rest of us bowed. "I have been waiting to see you, Prince Legolas. Come with me." I looked back at Míreth and Gandalf as I followed him. He took me to the throne room, where he offered me a seat as he sat in his throne.

"You are asked to attend a secret council tomorrow morning," Lord Elrond started, "It is to decide the fate of the One Ring, as you my already know." I nodded my head, yes. "The Ringbearer arrived three days ago. He had been stabbed by one of the Nazgul. But do not fear," he said as I caught my breath, "he is alright. I have healed him myself, and he should be alright in the days to come. He shall carry the wound forever, but I have done my best to prevent it from stopping him.

"The council will take place in the secret garden. You will be escorted by our guards. Make sure you are not followed," he continued, switching the subject again. "The Ringbearer will attend the council along with many other Elves, Men, and Dwarves. Please tell Gandalf what I have told you. He shall also be attending the council."

I nodded my head. "I will, Lord Elrond."

He smiled, relieved. "Good. I shall see you tomorrow."

I bowed my head, then took my leave. One of Elrond's servants led me to my room, and I found a hot bath prepared for me inside. I sighed at the sight. How I have longed to feel clean again. I bathed, then dried off and got dressed in some clothes that had been lain on my bed. Then, I went to the courtyard. Hopefully I would find Míreth. I glanced around, then I saw her. She looked so beautiful, having just bathed. Two strands of hair were braided and tied together at the back, keeping it out of her face. She wore a beautiful blue and white dress, with long sleeves that billowed out at the bottom. It was tight at the top, and flowed beautifully at the bottom. I caught my breath at the sight.

"How do I look?" Míreth asked, bashful. She looked at her hands, which were clasped in front of her.

"You look beautiful," I said softly. I walked towards her and kissed her tenderly. She looked up, blushing. "I love you."

"I love you, too," she said, then kissed me again. When we pulled away, I saw the gates open again. A man with a reddish beard walked in, followed by his guards. He must have traveled a long way, because his hair had grown long and shaggy, and his clothes were worn.

I watched as the man was brought to Lord Elrond, then again as he was led to his room. He seemed regal, but knew he couldn't be a prince or king because of his clothing. It was not as rich as that of royal blood, though it did seem very expensive. He must be that Boromir from Gondor. He traveled a long way to get here, if it was true. I said goodbye to Míreth, then returned to my room. I needed to sleep in a real bed again, if only for a few hours.

I returned to my room, then changed into my sleepwear, which had be cleaned by Lord Elrond's servants. Then, I climbed into my bed and fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.