Chapter 35
Farewell for Now
My father and I stayed there for some time together, then I made my way back to Legolas. He was awake when I walked in. He looked at me and his smile faded. Tears came to my eyes and he ran to me and pulled me into a tight embrace. He knew what had happened.
"~I am so sorry my love. I wish I could bring her back to you.~"
I said nothing. I buried my face in his chest and cried. He picked me up and carried me to the bed. He held me and let me cry, never said a word. When I calmed down I looked at Legolas.
"I have to go back."
"What?"
"~I must return to Imladris. I have to see her one last time.~"
I expected him to refuse and tell me it was too dangerous. He did not.
"~I know. But you must promise you will be safe.~"
"Gweston meleth nin."
He kissed me hard on the lips and walked me to the stables. I looked at him.
"~Protect my father.~"
He nodded and I kissed him one last time. He slid his tongue into my mouth, deepening the kiss and then rested his forehead on mine.
"I love you Gilraen."
"And I love you Legolas. But this is not farewell. I will be back soon."
"It shall feel like an eternity to my heart. But go now and be safe."
I nodded and mounted the horse. I rode off towards Imladris, my heart yearning to go back to Legolas. Faeron flew beside me and thought his company was appreciated, it did not fully take away the aching pain in my heart. I rarely stopped to rest and after two days of traveling I felt strange. My heart felt lighter, as though a great weight had been lifted from it. For the first time in days I smiled. I looked to the East and knew immediately that Frodo had succeeded.
"He did it. He really did it! That brave hobbit." I whispered.
Faeron landed on my shoulder and I smiled and stroked his feathers. I mounted the horse and then rode off again.
I arrived home a week later and rode straight up towards my grandfather's study.
"Grandfather!"
He came out to me. I rushed into his arms.
"Gilraen? What on earth are you doing here?"
I looked at him in disbelief.
"Naneth she…."
"Gilraen!"
My eyes widened. Grandfather stepped aside and there was my mother. I ran into her arms.
"~But how? Father saw you dead…it was a trick! Yes that must have been it.~"
"~I almost was dead. Frodo destroyed the ring.~"
I smiled and nodded. I hugged my mother again and my grandfather hugged us both.
"~Now we must make haste to Minas Tirith.~"
I smiled and nodded.