The IRE of Winter

Chapter 27: LASTING FAITH

The silver glimmered around my neck, fitted pants beneath my white dress and leather boots, I've got everything I needed for the journey except a word of goodbye from Legolas.

Aramis came last night apologising that he had to leave for the South. Helm's Deep was the place, he said, I didn't know that the Men of Dale and the Dwarves of Aglarond had strong ties. Gimli said he led the dwarves of Erebor South after the war and the colonised the valleys of Ered Namrais down the glittering caves of Helm's Deep, the fruitful lands of Anglarond. I've heard dwarven armour was the best and Gimli couldn't agree more. King Bard, second of his name, seemed to know Gimli very well.

I didn't get to talk to the King, the elves had stolen my chance and that's the thing I should be thankful for. Aramis left before sunrise, of what business he had in the South, I didn't ask. The Boernings turned their backs to the elven king, their ears turned deaf to King Bard's plea, I can suggest that King Bard's trying to hold the North together to fight a common foe, the Easterlings and the Wolfmen.

Aramis said there were two more chiefs in the North and Gandalf is on his way to persuade the others. Such lasting faith for unity stirred me. I told Aramis about what I've found in the heath, and I hope the raven would reach Gandalf on time.

Rohan had enough troubles with the Wainriders from the South, those savage men burned thirteen villages in a month. Killings and orc attacks became frequent down South and I don't understand how everyone thought the wolfmen were the source of this conflict.

'My Lady,' a servant came. 'The Elven King is leaving, the carriage is waiting in the courtyard as we speak.'

'Did you see the Prince?'

'If you mean the elf-prince, yes, and he is leaving too.'

No, he's leaving without saying goodbye? I dashed out of my room and ran down the hallways. Legolas is traveling North for all I know, and I haven't told him everything yet. The wolfmen, the heath, the Blue Wizard's lie.

Out the main door, I saw Legolas down the courtyard saddling his horse. 'You are leaving?' I said panting as I jogged down the stairs.

'North, Safirah.' The king's carriage hasn't left and the elven guards were preparing the horses. Six Dalish knights and a few servants gave them a hand.

'Do you have to go?' I felt a need to hug him and I did without thinking, arms round his neck. Legolas didn't complain, he stood frozen like stone. 'Why does it has to be you? Let's go back to Mirkwood together, I promise I'll do as you wish.' I pulled back feeling worried.

'I'm tired of running, Safirah. I must do this, now that I have someone to protect,' he whispered. He looked at me and even without saying a word, his eyes say he wanted a kiss. Tears cornered my eyes again, and though I tried my hardest to stop them from falling, it stubbornly did.

'The North is a long journey son, leave the girl be and go.' King Thranduil was inside the carriage, his face hidden beneath the curtained round-window. I hope he didn't see me hug his son, I was carried away by my emotions.

Legolas was ready to leave but before he turned his back, he took my hand and flashed a faint smile. 'I fixed it while you were asleep,' he whispered to my ears then mounted his horse and galloped to the gates. The bracelet!

I followed him until he's gone, he went to see me last night while I was asleep, I thought, and all this time I doubted him.

I sniffed.

My heart has been marred a few times, they say experience makes you stronger, it is untrue. I know that now. My heart bled just the same. Hesitant, I motioned towards the carriage, it is time to leave. I threw one last glance at the palace's white walls and bricked gates, I wish I could have spent my idle days exploring this beautiful city.