Capturing True Love

Chapter 5

That night, I fall into bed with Isabele. We kiss, her lips comforting to me. I take off my shirt, and Isabele grabs me by the arm, tracing my muscles.

"I love you," she whispers into my ear. She starts taking off her shirt, but I stop her. Instead, I grab it myself, and slowly pull it off her, kissing her all the while.

"I love you, too," I say back, flinging her shirt aside. We kiss even more, and each time, losing a piece of clothing. We crawl into the sheets, hugging each other. Moonlight shines through the window, making Isabele's hair bright and beautiful. Soon enough, we fall asleep, holding and kissing each other.

The next morning, I wake up, reaching for Isabele, to find her gone. I sigh, and get up, dressing into newly washed clothes. I grab my old, soft pair of leather boots, and put them on. My bow and arrows are sitting at the foot of my bed, along with my large array of swords, daggers, and throwing knives. I put them all in their place, hidden inside my jacket and boots. I then pull my bag of belongings over my back, and grab my bow and arrows. Daylight was shining into my room, warming my back. I walked to Isabele's room, finding it empty, devoid of many of her belongings. I was quite surprised when Thranduil agreed that she could come along. Secretly, I'm glad. I love having her around, for she cheers everybody up.

Someone taps me on the shoulder, lightly. I spin around, finding Isabele grinning at me, a pack on her back, and her bow, knives, and arrows strapped onto her. "I'm ready!" she said.

I nod and grab her hand. We walk off, our footsteps echoing around the empty hallway. When we came to the dining hall, Thranduil and Thorin were sitting together, silent as ever.

I frown. "Is everybody okay?"

Thorin looks up. His eyes are shining with tears. "We must go as soon as possible," he whispers, his voice hoarse.

Thranduil continues to look down, hands over his head.

Isabele unlatches her hand from mine, and walks over to Thranduil. "Are you alright?" she asks, concerned.

Thranduil doesn't look up, but says, "No, not really. I am afraid. What has become of this world? I can feel that things are at unrest. Many a thing has come upon this earth, both good and bad. There may be no way to destroy them. Destruction waits upon all of us."

My hands are cold and clammy. "We must be off to Erebor soon. It's a losing battle, and they need as much help as possible."

Thranduil nods, and grabs Isabele's hand tightly. Isabele's small, pale fingers wrap around his large, tan hand. "Goodbye. I love you so much."

We walk out of the room, and get everything into our packs. As the strong, noon sun peaks out from the trees, I see Thorin walking slowly out of the great doors, his shoulders slumped, a frown on his face.

"We must make haste," he says, swinging his bag onto his back. His large sword hangs at his side, and knives stick out of many places. "I am ready."

Thranduil looks over to me. "Keep her safe," he says. "Don't let her do any reckless things."

I nod. "She's never leaving my sight."

We all turn away from Mirkwood, and make our way to the edge of the elves' realm.

I turn around, and wave to Thranduil before walking into the dark and dreary forest. We reach the edge of the forest by the beginning of the sunset. We walk to a clear field, some miles away from the forest.

As we set up camp, Kili comes up to me. His eyes are red, and his nose running.

"Are you alright?" I ask him. I grab his arm to steady him.

Kili shakes his head vigorously. "Not exactly." His voice is hoarse. "I am worried about Tauriel. The siege has been lasting for over a week. The Wargs, orcs, and goblins may have already taken Erebor. What then? When we return, there may be nothing left, but fire and destruction. So many dwarves have already been killed. Our numbers are dwindling, and we may never see our kin again. Death is upon us."

I'm silent for over a minute, pondering his words. "All I can say, Kili, is to keep holding onto your faith and hope. Don't ever lose your hope, because once you lose it, you will almost never get it back. There is still hope for Erebor. I have faith you will do great things in the next couple weeks. You are a strong dwarf. Strong in the heart, and in the mind. You are a great fighter, and as a team-together-we can push back our enemies, and rid them from our homeland."