I Will Always Come Back

Chapter 17

I sat on my bed for a moment, thinking over what had happened. Why had I agreed to go? I rubbed my eyes with my fingertips. I had to leave Rivendell, and I won't know whether I would come back, alive or dead. Whatever happened, I knew something would go wrong, even against our best efforts. I could feel it in my bones. The fate of the world rested in my hands now, along with Frodo and the rest of the fellowship. If we failed, the world would be doomed. I knew this was a suicide mission. I would die defending the Ringbearer. At least it was an honorable death.

I stayed slouched over on my bed for a few more minutes. What about Míreth? What would she say when she found out? Would she accept my decision, or make me stay in Rivendell? I sighed, resting my head in my hands. People were so confusing. Why did I decide to go, anyway? It wouldn't matter if someone else took my position, would it? I mean, there could have been nine companions if somebody else decided to go and I did not. I huffed, knowing I was wrong. Everyone else thought the same thing Boromir did. The only reason he came was because he knew he would be the last to go. Without him, there would be only four, barely enough to face a dozen Orcs, and one of the four had little or no fighting experience.

A quiet knock on the door disrupted my thoughts. "Come in," I said, sitting up a bit straighter. The door opened, and I saw Míreth walk through the doorway.

"What troubles you, Legolas?" she said, looking at my weary expression. Her eyes betrayed her worry, though she tried to hide it.

"I was invited to a secret council by Lord Elrond," I started, then paused. "I am leaving Rivendell." I signed, waiting for her reaction. Míreth closed the door behind her, then walked toward me, sitting beside me on the edge of the bed.

"Why? Why must you leave?" she asked, almost as though she was pleading me to stay.

"The Ringbearer is taking the Ring to Mordor. I decided to go with him, along with seven others of various races," I said, hoping her reaction wouldn't be too bad. Míreth's eyes widened, and she brought her hands up to cover her mouth.

"Why? That is folly. Only a madman would even consider going there. It's too dangerous! You can't leave!" She buried her face in my chest, wrapping her arms around me. I held her gently, burying my face in her sweet smelling hair. "You just can't!" she sobbed as tears streamed down her face, soaking into my tunic.

"I have to go. The world depends on us. If I don't go, the whole of Middle Earth will be forfeit. It will be the end of the world!"

She sobbed even harder. "You can't... Leave! I love... You too much! You... Could die!" she hiccoughed. I pulled her closer, wanting her to know that I had to go, and I would always love her.

"I will stay safe. I promise," I said, pulling back and looking her in the eyes. They were red and puffy from crying, and her face was tearstained. I dried her tears, and her sobbing slowed to a stop. She took a shuddering breath and hugged me tightly.

"You promise?" Míreth said quietly.

"I promise," I whispered back. I held her tightly. "When I come back, we can live a happy, normal life together. I will come back. Alright?" I hoped the word together would hit a nerve. I did. Míreth pulled back, new tears of hope in her eyes. When they started spilling down her face, I dried them quickly with my shirtsleeve.

Then, out of nowhere, she kissed me, her sweet lips on mine. After a second of shock, I recovered by kissing her back. It lasted several moments, and when we pulled back, I pulled her into a tight embrace. "I will always come back," I whispered in her ear. We stayed like this for a while longer, then Míreth stood up.

"I should get going. Besides, you still have lots of packing to do, and I need to catch up with Arwen," she said. "Goodbye." With that, she walked out and closed the door. My heart ached at her sudden leave. But, I knew she was right. I got out of bed and packed my clothes. When I was finished, it was almost dark. After the events of the day, I was exhausted, and fell into my bed and crashed for the night.

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When I woke up, the sun was bright in the sky. I rolled groggily out of bed, then noticed my packed bags. I was going to be late! I changed quickly into my hunting garb and dashed to the gates with my bag. I got there only just in time. I lined up beside Aragorn as Elrond addressed us.

"The Ringbearer is setting out on the quest to Mount Doom. Those who travel with him, no oath nor bond holds you to go farther than you will." I watched as Aragorn smiled at Arwen, his love. I gazed at Míreth, who was standing beside her. I mouthed goodbye, and she lowered her head as a tear streamed down her face. I smiled gently as she raised her head, her face showing what she wanted to tell me. Be safe. Goodbye.

Elrond continued. "Farewell. Hold to your purpose and may the blessings of men, and elves, and free folk be with you." He looked to Frodo. "The fellowship awaits the Ringbearer." With that, we left Rivendell, the last comfort in our road.

I walked with my head held high, even though sorrow filled my whole body, surrounded me like a black cloud. It took all my willpower to prevent the rain. I had made a promise to Míreth, a promise a intended to keep. I knew I would never forget Míreth, never forget the woman I loved. I will always come back to the love of my life.