Chapter 9 - Namarië

Tauriel strolled the palace halls with a heavy heart. She was on her way to say goodbye to her best friend for the rest of her childhood. He was finally leaving to Rivendell today. They had both been in each others company as much as they could for the past few weeks making every moment count.

She stopped by a window and looked out. There by the stables were a few elves leading out some horses and saddling them up. Then she spotted a blonde - haired elf stroking a white horse. Legolas. There were bundles and bags stuffed into a wagon. It was clear that they were setting out on a trip.

The small she-elf let out a sigh. Even though elves lived forever and a few years were but a very small portion of the lives, they still lived each day the same as others. The hours were the same for them as for us. Long and filled with many emotions and memories. She felt as though when Legolas left, those hours would appear even longer to her. She did not think that they would be filled with any memories without him. Her life would be turned upside-down.

Tauriel made it to the palace gate. The travelers were to leave soon. She approached the blonde elf just as he was about to mount his milky white horse.

Legolas turned as he received a gentle tap on the shoulder and smiled a sad smile. "Aya, Tauriel." He greeted. Then his face fell, "Or is it namarië? I was starting to think you weren't coming."

Tauriel too gave him a slight smile, "Of course I would come. I had to say goodbye to you."

They stood looking at each other for the last time in their childhood. Tears were brimming in their elven eyes. Suddenly, they embraced tightly giving way to the tears.

"Oh, Tauriel," Legolas sniffed, "Namarië, mellonin."

Tauriel tightened her embrace, "Namarië, Legolas, mellonin. Don't get I to too much trouble without me."

Legolas stifled a smile, "I won't." He released from the hug and stepped back, "Don't forget me. Gwestog?" The he - elf then placed something in his friend's palm.

Tauriel looked at him tears streaming down her face. She managed to smile, "I will not. Promise. You, remember me too, Ernil Vuin." She also placed something in her friend's palm.

He swiftly mounted his horse. "Until then, mellonin. Namarië." He kicked the horse into a canter and the company departed.

Tauriel watched them until the were just specks on the horizon. She was fingering the forest green gem her friend had just given her. "Until then, Legolas, until then." She whispered into the wind.

Translations:

• Aya = Greetings/Hail

• Namarië = Farewell

• Mellonin = My friend

• Gwestog? = Do you promise?

• Ernil Vuin = My Prince