99 The Flag of Surrender.
Picking up the small scrap of worn fabric Legolas smiled tenderly and for a moment was transported back to a time of peace and happiness, a time when battles and wars were mere childish games and there were always sweet treats to be had in the kitchens at the end of a skirmish. Holding the rag to his nose he inhaled deeply, hoping for the familiar scent it had once carried but which had faded over the centuries until its memory only remained.
That it had survived over the years was testament to his care though he oft wondered what his love would say if he knew it was still carried close to his heart. What had begun life as an elflings plaything, a small white flag for those playing goblin to wave in defeat by the great elven prince had become so much more. A token to swap between friends after sparring matches when partings became longer and a promise to meet each other in companiable challenge again was proof against their respective increased duties.
It was the final purpose this fragment held that meant the most however. The day it had been transformed from mere fabric to symbol. A youthful promise of love naively given in the days between childhood and maturity, when surrendering a heart was not fully understood but acceptance coveted and held to hope in laughing chocolate eyes.
A knock on the door raised him from his reverie and with a sigh the wood elf tenderly folded his most prized possession into a small square and tucked it away in the purpose made pocket stitched into the lining of his tunic, nestled against his heart. The journey now to be faced was no small undertaking and he must lend his thoughts wholly to his pledge now the time was upon them to depart but it would be there for him to draw strength from at times of need as it had been for so many years past. His own beacon of hope that light would prevail and his surrendered heart could finally be claimed.
A/N
Who is this secret love? You may be able to work it out from the various hints I have given over the years I have been writing in this fandom but I will let you decide for yourself.
Almost at the end now. Just one more chapter to go. Thanks to you all for reading.