Finally Free (Final Book in the Aerlinniel's Secret Series)

Chapter 5: Hope

Aerlinniel POV

Five days.

We have been traveling for five days to get to Gundabad. Faelwen accidentally got us lost two days ago. Which is fine, I probably would have done worse. Also, I have never been to Gundabad before. I do not think I have ever even been close to Gundabad so I do not know this area at all.

Faelwen keeps apologizing. Although, there is no need for her to. None of us have ever been in this area of Middle-earth so it is completely understandable. I am cut off from my thoughts when Faelwen shouts,

"There it is! There is Gundabad!"

"Well done, mellon nîn!" I praise her.

"Why are you saying 'well done' when I got us lost?" She questions me sadly.

I smile and tell her, "I am sure I would have gotten us lost too. We found our way, there is no need to worry. You did good Faelwen."

She gives a sigh of relief, "Thank you, Aerlinniel."

I just give her a nod as we continue towards Gundabad. All of the sudden, I give a shudder. I do not like the feeling of this place. I want to find out whether Legolas is here or not and then leave as soon as possible.

"Does anyone else have a bad feeling about this place?" Mallory asks us.

We all agree with her. I am glad I am not the only one. I wonder how Legolas is doing right now. I wonder if he is safe. But, something deep down inside of me tells me he is anything but safe.

Legolas POV

I feel someone tap my shoulder. And, with a groan, I open my eyes to see the kind Elleth again. I give her a small smile. She holds up something for me to see. I am shocked to see not a tray of food, but a plant and a bowl of water. If I am not mistaken, this is the yarrow plant.

My eyes go wide as I look up and she gives me a small smile. Then she points to my wound. She wants to heal me. I do not understand why though. We do not even know each other.

I try to move but another wave of pain shoots through me. I then look back at her and nod, letting her know that it is alright for her to heal me.

As she carefully removes the bandage, I go to ask her a question. Thankfully, I caught myself as I remember the Ellon, Meldarion, whom I am sharing a cell with, told me she has not spoken in years. So, it would be pointless to try and talk to her.

The Elleth then crumbles the plant in her hands and puts it in the bowl of water and proceeds to mix it. When she is satisfied, she grabs a handful and gently places it on my wound.

I at first flinch from the contact, but then relax as it starts to relieve some of the pain. Closing my eyes, I let out a sigh of relief as she puts more of the mixture on my wound and begins to wrap it back up.

After a few moments, I open my eyes again to see her writing down something. She then hands it to me before giving me another smile and leaving the cell. I shake my head, it is hard for me to believe that this Elleth I did not even know wanted heal me.

There is something about her though. I do not know what it is, but just something about her seems so familiar. I would say that maybe I have seen her before, but according to Meldarion, she has been here longer than anyone else here. I wonder why she seems so familiar to me.

I then remember the letter she gave me and look down at the beautiful handwriting.

My Prince, I hope the Yarrow plant helps relieve you of pain and that it stops your wound from getting infected. You need to make sure to get lots of rest and eat whatever I bring you. You will need your strength for when they come for you. I do not know when they will, just that it will be soon. Keep holding on and do not give up. I do not know how or why, but you have somehow given me hope that maybe someday someone will save us and we will all finally get out of here. Sincerely, -Lin

How have I given this Elleth hope? It makes no sense. But, nevertheless, if she has hope the it must be a good thing. I have hope that Aerlinniel will find me.

Aerlinniel.

The thought of her brings tears to my eyes and I take a couple of deep breaths to keep myself from letting them fall. I miss her so much. I wish I could see her again. I want to look into those beautiful eyes of hers and tell her how much I love her.

She means so much to me and I do not ever want to lose her again. When she died all those years ago...it just made me realize how much I truly love her and how much I need her. I do not think I could ever go through that again.

When I do see her again, I am going to tell her I love her and promise her that I will always be there for her and always keep her safe. And, I will keep that promise whether she feels the same way about me or not. Because I would rather be her friend than not be anything to her at all.

So, whatever happens to me down here, all I need to do is think about Aerlinniel. Think about her eyes, her smile, her bravery, her kindness, her perseverance, and everything else I love about her. Including her flaws, her insecurities, and even her secrets.

She will find me. I know she will. I know I will be fine as long as I keep reminding myself that Aerlinniel will find me and that I will be able to see her again one day. I just have to keep holding on.

I need to keep holding on for Aerlinniel.

~~~~~~

Well, this was a fun chapter to write! :D Hope you all enjoyed it. ^~^ Updates are every Sunday!

Love you my elves from the realm of llamas,

~Ellethwen <3