To Hide a Princess

Chapter Twelve

Legolas POV

I could not believe it. I was so close to find her and now I think I've lost her. I have to get her back again! I can't live without her!

Right now I'm desperately riding out of the city to the wilderness to get her back. She can't have gone that far can she? I'm chasing her to get her back and I'll keep searching even if it takes me together.

I woke up that morning a couple of weeks ago positive that I would get her back. I had notified all the inn's that were in the village and they were to tell me if Fallyn, that's what I've taken to calling her, was staying with them. I had been notified only this morning that she was staying at the south inn in the village, a rather...less civilised...part of the city.

I could not believe it, the one time I have a meeting, I know where she is. I instantly dispatched a group of guards with instructions to bring her back to me instantly, but be gentle. I was ecstatic, I would finally have her back in my arms. Where she should be. With me.

The meeting with Elrond was fairly uneventful with little happening yet there was still a long and tedious discussion about the comings and goings in the palace and village. As soon as it was over, I raced outside only to find crushing news waiting for me. It turns out she escaped. Again. What am I doing wrong other than everything? All I want is my soul mate but it turns out that I cannot even have that.

The next few weeks were some of the worst of my life. At least during the war for middle earth I had something to fight for. At least I felt whole. Only now that I have met my mate do I realise how empty I am without her.

I waited and waited for any news to come about her but heard nothing for too long. It was pure coincidence by which I heard about her again this morning. Arwen frequently visits the village to shop in the market place and talk to the peasants. She is a true princess of the people, they all love her. And now with Aragorn back in the city again, she was floating on a cloud of happiness. This I couldn't spoil for her, it was her time.

Arwen returned from her weekly visit of hers to the market bringing hopeful news back with her of my Fallyn. There were rumours of a beautiful harpist a singer. The most beautiful elf of all. She had to be Fallyn and this time I would not let her escape. I heard this news and instantly rode with my guards to the marketplace, strait to where Arwen told me she would be. Only to be disappointed once again. I suppose I should be used to it by now.

She wasn't there. Again. I could not believe it. But where was she, surely she did not know I was coming. How on earth could she have known? I desperately glanced around any dark corners and everything else just in case she was hiding. Then I notice a rather large woman wrapped in bright fabrics and scarves waddling towards me. I respectfully bowed my head to the woman as she rather clumsily curtsied, almost falling over.

"Please, rise madam. We are equals here" I speak slowly as she rises back up wobbling little.

"Well I never, Prince Legolas of course, what you be doing in our parts of the village!" She clucked looking flustered, fiddling with the ends of her scarves. I stood in front of an old stool and harp, this must be where Fallyn played. Again I nod and smile, eager to ask her about Fallyn.

"Madam, the woman who plays this harp, do you know her?" I quickly ask gesturing to the harp and stool. At this she perks up.

"Well of course my prince, but do call me Irellas of course of course. Well sir..." she said flustered and blushing, almost preening under my heavy gaze. "She's a pretty little thing really, at lunch for the moment, gone to get food. Well sir she calls herself Fallyn but between me and you" she says leaning in, "I've heard her called Elemmire before. You know by that little ragged boy who follows her around like a puppy. Hmm he was playing a second ago?" She continued to blabber on before telling where she lives. Where Elemmire lives. The name made bells ring in my soul, forget Fallyn and Nellas. I knew this was herr true name.

Such a beautiful name to sit such a beautiful soul mate. It was engraved on my heart from that moment on.

After that women, Irellas, had stopped blabbing I excused myself and prepared myself for the evening. I intended to go and find her then. Persuade her to come back with me and stay with me. I felt a gentle fluttering in my stomach. I was nervous and excited, acting like a love struck teenager.

Eventually I made my way to the house of Elemmire. A small cottage by the forest, vines climbing it's walls. It suited her perfectly.

I made my way inside the kitchen silently. There were no sounds strangely. I heard a muffled sobbing from the corner and I saw the ragged boy who I now recognised and my young spy who never returned to me. He clutched a letter in him dirty hand and, hearing my footsteps, he gestured to another similar letter on the table, his wide eyes pooling with tears.

Dearest Legolas,

If you read this then you have found me. I must congratulate you I suppose since I am usually better at staying hidden. I'm sorry I ran, truly sorry and I'm sorry for running again. But you must know now that we are simply not right for each other. We are not soul mates and while I know you will not believe this, I'm sure you will accept the idea soon. If you are clever then you will forget me. I am not good for you and that is why I have left. Don't follow me. Forget me. Don't live your life on what would never have been. I am truly sorry,

Elemmire

I didn't realise I was crying until I saw the tears splashing on to the page, blurring the cursive ink writing. It was like my heart ripped apart in my chest. She was leaing properly and for good.

I instantly ran out to my horse and rode as fast as I could out of the city. I whistled for all my guards to follow me and soon we were roaring out of the city and onto the plains. The wind carried a foul stench from the west and footsteps lead that way. Desperately I followed. Now I ride fast in that direction.

I ride as fast as I can, fighting the wind and terrain as I approach the overhanging rock. From my vantage point I see a scene of carnage below. Orcs lie dead, a path cut clean through them. I follow the path with my eyes to be greeted with a horrifying sight.

Elemmire lies on the ground wounded, blood pooling around her body, with an orc sitting over her, ready to cut her. Almost without thought I send an arrow flying, instantly killing the orc. Elemmire glances up fearfully and noticing me, stumbles to her feet running away towards the forest. She's badly wounded though and can't stay upright.

My men and I race after her on our horses as she falls again, trying to crawl further to escape. Again she stands, dizzily, but collapses after two steps. My men and I surround her and I dismount, approaching her. She struggles away from me on her back before collapsing completely and blacking out. My heart beats fast with worry but she is still alive. Again her eyes flicker open and I pick her up and gently place her on my horse before climbing on behind her.

I hold my arms around her, supporting us both and she nestles into my chest. I have her back. I cannot believe it.

My heart is singing with joy and everything feels right. She is mine now forever and always. Never to leave my side. We ride fast back to the castle to heal her. I lightly kiss her forehead again feeling our strong connection and love pouring through my body. She's perfect.

"You're with me now Elemmire. You're mine and I will never let you go. You're safe now, I'll protect you. Sweet dreams love"