Shredders of Destinies

11. Whispers of Farewell

Woodland Realm, 2940 TA, November 29

Tauriel knew the weight of destiny's demands, the price to be paid lurking in the shadows, ever unpredictable, ever looming. For her, adherence to protocol wasn't mere obedience; it was a testament to her warrior spirit, a fierce resolve that refused the easy path. It was this tenacity that resonated with Legolas—a bond forged in their shared battles, in the unspoken trust, a kinship that transcended mere friendship.

Their connection ran deep, steeped in the fabric of loyalty and camaraderie. To Tauriel, Legolas was more than just the King's son; he was a brother in arms, a companion in the journey of life. Theirs was a bond nurtured through trials and triumphs, an unspoken understanding woven through shared experiences.

Despite the whispers that danced within the halls of Mirkwood, suggesting a different sentiment between them, Tauriel remained steadfast in her conviction—a belief that what bound her to Legolas was a familial love, a deep-seated affection akin to kinship rather than the whispers of romance that teased the air.

It was only in her encounters with Kili that the tendrils of love's true essence began to unfurl within her heart. Their time together, though fleeting, unraveled the mysteries of her own emotions, unveiling the depths of affection previously unexplored. The forbidden nature of their connection, bound by rules and realms, served as a catalyst for her realization—an understanding that love was not confined to the verdant halls of Mirkwood but thrived beyond its borders.

Yet, amidst her burgeoning affection for Kili, her loyalty to Mirkwood remained unshakable. She held a profound love for her homeland, acknowledging Thranduil's prowess as a ruler despite his flaws—a potent mix of arrogance and pride that occasionally clouded his judgment, particularly in matters concerning Legolas.

The disparity between father and son was palpable to her. While Thranduil, bound by regal obligations, often overlooked Legolas's needs, his heart shrouded in the dictates of sovereignty, Legolas epitomized compassion and camaraderie. Despite inheriting his father's haughtiness, there resided within him a noble spirit—a willingness to stand by those in need, especially those he held dear.

With a heart torn between duty and desire, Tauriel chose to follow the calling of her heart. Her pursuit of aiding Kili, an act born of compassion and defiance, resonated with her spirit. And in that action, she knew, Legolas, true to his nature, would stand beside her, setting him apart from his father—his loyalty unwavering, his heart guided by empathy and friendship.

Cause of the tapestry of fate and intertwined destinies, Legolas had chosen a path that mirrored Tauriel's departure from Mirkwood. Whether his decision stemmed from his own volition or Thranduil's subtle influence remained veiled in uncertainty, shrouded in the enigmatic dance of choices and consequences.

In the aftermath of battles fought and losses endured, Legolas stood steadfast by Tauriel's side, a stalwart companion in her moments of grief and resolution. Even as her heart ached for Kili and she paid homage to his memory alongside Thorin and his kin, Legolas remained a silent guardian, a constant presence—his loyalty unwavering, his support an unspoken solace.

Now, their journey from the Lonely Mountain had brought them back through Dale, the passage of time marked by the rhythmic sound of hooves against the earth. The weight of unspoken words hung heavily between them, a silence of emotions left unvoiced.

Mounted atop their steeds, they rode side by side, each lost in the labyrinth of their thoughts. The miles stretched out before them, yet the distance between their hearts felt farther than the horizon they traversed. The quietude of the road whispered of untold sorrows and unspoken regrets, each passing moment heavy with the weight of unshared burdens.