Introduction
Farewell
A night like this we haven't seen in years, decades, maybe even centuries. So black and morbid, engulfing you as if you were the dark and shadow itself. I felt uneasy, as if I was in the presence of something. I knew I wasn't alone since the beginning, and I could feel their presence from when I left as they got closer and closer to me. Maybe it's Goradeith. The trees are clearing out by now and he should be able to land if it is him.
Strange, I can't seem to feel any presence about me. All of a sudden the air around me was lifted, as if something is coming at me with a speed of an arrow fired from a skilled ranger up from the north, moving as if it was part of the night, a mighty tall beast with long, brown feathers, patterns on the side of its wings and on the side of its neck landed beside me. His eyes were like the sun, bright as a flame and even in the darkest of forests they glowed with power, penetrating every dark corner they reached.
"I was wondering if it were you Goradeith," I said as the eagle was letting out a little chuckle.
"At last I have caught up to you Etheldir," said Goradeith. "Never noticed how fast you were, considering you always rode on me."
"Underestimating me as always I see," I chuckled. "We have been friends many a year, but since the beginning I told you I was full of potential."
"True my young friend, but you still can't beat me in a race as I've proved that before."
"Anyway, why have you followed me Goradeith?" I asked him. "As I said before I've made up my mind, I can't stay under the halls of king Thranduil anymore. I have to find it Goradeith, I promised my dad. I must avenge him after. You must understand this Goradeith."
"And Legolas?" asked he. "You know how much you will be missed, and they understand, but why leave so suddenly, you know how Legolas will react, he will try to go after you."
"I still don't have an answer Goradeith," said I.
"You really think I would let you go alone," he said. "After all these years and you still don't understand that I will never leave your side Etheldir. So hop on my elfling, and you will see real speed."
"I didn't plan on this you know," I said as I was climbing up his soft back. "You know, for the mighty beast you are, you really do make a soft bed."
As he lifted off we both burst out laughing. After a few hours I sank in deep thoughts. I would miss them. King Thranduil and his halls, my room up in the towers where I spent so many hours studying the land of Middle Earth. The kitchen where Legolas and I parted off with food so many times while the chef was yelling at us. The courtyard where I honed my skills with my sword and hit the bullseye so often. I would return eventually. At this moment I just need to tackle my task head on. For my father. For my line.