A/N: I know Tauriel wasn't in the book, I just wanted to continue the story in a way that fits in with LotR. Please rate and review, constructive criticism is welcome! Thanks everyone. :)

After the Battle of the Five Armies, Tauriel couldn't return to Mirkwood. Not after she had so blatantly defied Thranduil. Even if he had allowed her back, things would never be the same.

She wasn't sure she would have wanted that life anyway. She wished to see the world before she grew tired of it.

When Legolas asked if she would come with him on his travels, she had jumped at the chance, hoping for the companionship that once had been... she did not find it.

They were riding South, towards Gondor, to search for the Ranger his father had spoken of, when Tauriel decided to find her own future.

The morning was just dawning in glorious streaks of pink and orange, and the dusty, iron smell of the wilderness surrounded them. The steady beat of their horses' hooves upon the soft dirt filled the silence.

"Legolas, mellon nin," She began carefully, avoiding his gaze and looking straight ahead.

Legolas heard her tone and pulled his horse in.

"Tauriel, what is it?"

"Legolas, I cannot continue."

"Then we shall stop and rest." Oh, Legolas. Ever the gentleman, but never seeing past the surface.

"I mean that I cannot continue with you on your journey." She looked at him gently.

"You must understand why."

He looked at the ground, silent for a moment, then sighed. "I had wondered when you would tell me."

Perhaps she had been wrong about him only seeing the surface.

"You knew?" she asked softly.

"I did not know, I suspected. How could I not? Things will not be the same as they were."

Tauriel nodded quietly. "I think I shall go to Imladris. I have heard it is wonderful."

Legolas smiled faintly."Indeed it is, but those you will find there are even more enchanting. Look for Arwen Undomiel. I believe you shall find her a kindred spirit."

Tauriel bowed her head. "Thank you." She paused. "I am leaving at once."

Legolas did not look surprised. He reined his horse close to hers and touched his chest, then swept his palm outward in the gesture of parting.

"Goodbye, faithful Captain."

"Farewell, my Prince."

Tauriel turned her horse Northwest, toward a new life.