Author's Note: Okay! Here's the new chapter you guys! It's pretty long, I
think. Hopefully, I'll be able to get Chapter 13 up next weekend, but this
weekend, I'm swamped with work. I hope you enjoy this chapter! Thanks for
reading and may the Valar protect you.
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Chapter 12
The two travellers journeyed a long way, trying to avoid trouble, but trouble came to them twice anyway. A small band of orcs stumbled into them, but Legolas and Êlcàlë managed to get away with only a few cuts and bruises, which is more than can be said for the orcs. Just outside of Gondor, a pack of wolves were seen lurking in the shadows by Legolas, but they didn't dare come too close to the White City. Finally, Legolas and Êlcàlë reached the palace, summer already starting to creep in, where they were welcomed by the King and Queen of Men.
"Mae govannen, mellon nin!" Aragorn said with a huge smile on his face as he walked, almost ran, to Legolas. Arwen and Êlcàlë smiled as they watched the two old friends embrace. "Mae govannen, King Elessar," Êlcàlë said as she curtsied. "Mae govannen, Queen Arwen," she said as she realized with an inner laugh how quickly she had recognized them. All the people she had met were much like the ones that had played the parts in the movies, almost like the actors and actresses had belonged in Middle-Earth, many lifetimes ago. "What is your name, fair maiden?" Aragorn asked as he bowed to the woman. Aragorn looked at Legolas with eyebrows raised. Very few humans could boast that they had befriended the Mirkwood prince, let alone travel with him. "My name is Joey, my lord," Êlcàlë said, pretending to not see the look Aragorn gave Legolas. "But I am called Êlcàlë here." "It is nice to meet you, Êlcàlë," Arwen said softly and Êlcàlë turned to her with a smile. An instant understanding and friendship grew between the two women. Arwen, an elf, was the Queen of Men, and felt lonely sometimes without any of her kin around her. "This is Glorfindel's granddaughter," Legolas said, shocking Aragorn and Arwen as he quickly recounted the story of Glorfindel and Anna to Aragorn. Arwen, of course, already knew the story and realized what it was that made this woman different. "She was whisked into this world by the power of a necklace and is now journeying through this land to explore the lands." "She is more than just a friend to you, is she not?" Aragorn said, as much to himself as to Legolas and Êlcàlë. Before Legolas could answer, Arwen smacked Aragorn lightly on the arm. "Must you always be so forthright?" Arwen said with a slight shake of her head. "You are embarrassing the lady!" "Not once does she speak of me," Legolas said, shaking his head. "You have known her for mere minutes and you help her, but you do not help a friend you have had for more than a millennia?" Êlcàlë laughed at the wide-eyed look Legolas gave Arwen as Arwen raised her eyebrow and gave him a sly smile before taking Êlcàlë's hand. "Come, Êlcàlë," Arwen said as they turned away from the two males. "Let's go get cleaned up." Legolas and Aragorn looked at each other, mouths open, watching Arwen and Êlcàlë walk away. "We're in trouble, my friend," Aragorn said shaking his head in defeat. The laughter of the two maidens could be heard through the halls of the palace as the words of the king reached their ears.
~*~
Êlcàlë and Arwen joined Legolas and Aragorn in the library where the two men were recalling old adventures. Êlcàlë sat down in the big, padded chair next to Legolas and he unconsciously took her hand into his as he continued to talk to Aragorn. "Ah ha!" Aragorn said as he jumped up from his said, nearly knocking over his chair and earning him another whack on the arm by Arwen. Êlcàlë glanced over at Legolas rather shyly, but felt her heart calm down as Legolas gave her a reassuring smile. "I believe that is the cue to leave the king and queen alone," Legolas said, getting up, still holding Êlcàlë's hand. "Come on. Let's go see the rest of the palace." "I didn't believe them when the guards said you were here," a gruff voice said from the doorway of the library. "I didn't know you'd be here, elf." "Gimli!" Legolas and Aragorn both said, surprised their stout friend had snuck up on them so easily. Gimli smiled and eyed the clasped hands of Legolas and Êlcàlë with surprise and delight. "Gimli, this is Êlcàlë," Legolas said as he followed Gimli's stare. "Come, let us make sure Gimli had a room and is found clothes to change into," Arwen said getting up form her chair and seemingly gliding over to the king and two friends. "If you don't mind, my lords and lady," Êlcàlë said, looking around at the library. "I would like to stay here for awhile." "As you wish, Êlcàlë," Aragorn said. "As long as you stop using formalities among friends," he said, causing all present to chuckle. "Very well, Aragorn," Êlcàlë said, happy to be thought of as a friend. The four left the library, leaving Êlcàlë in the library marvelling at the books. That is where Aragorn found her later that night, a short while before dinner.
"Êlcàlë," Aragorn said softly as she looked up from her book. "May I speak with you?" "Yes, of course," Êlcàlë said as she shut her book. "Where are the others?" "Gimli is resting," Aragorn said, chuckling. "He always thought he was stronger than he actually is," he said, causing Êlcàlë to laugh as well. "What is it you wanted to speak to me about?" Êlcàlë said as she got up from her chair and walked to the large door leading out to the small balcony. "Legolas, of course," Aragorn said, joining her outside on the balcony. The two stood there silently for a while as they saw Legolas and Arwen walking below them, distracted in their own conversation. "How is it that you came to meet?" he asked, as they watched Legolas and Arwen disappear around the corner. Êlcàlë recalled the first day she arrived in Middle Earth and told him much about the happenings since then. "He is most dear to me," Êlcàlë said, unable to put her feelings into words, but Aragorn nodded, understanding what she meant. "I too fell in love with an immortal, my friend," Aragorn said, smiling at Êlcàlë. "Aye," Êlcàlë said with a sigh. "Though I do not want Legolas to give up so much for me." Êlcàlë looked over at Aragorn sadly. "I'm not you, Aragorn. I cannot offer Legolas what you have given Arwen. You are the King of Men, and I am just a silly girl chasing a dream." "Love is never without sacrifice, my friend," Aragorn said as he gave he an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "You have already given him everything he could ever want, for you are the world to him. I can see it in his eyes when he looks at you." Êlcàlë met his gaze, tears in her eyes, but happy tears or sad ones, he didn't know. "Come, let us go for dinner." Êlcàlë nodded and took some deep breaths, hoping she could calm herself down.
At the same time, Legolas and Arwen were having a similar conversation as they walked along the ground of the palace.
"You care about her very much," Arwen said as Legolas walked alongside her aimlessly. "I would give my life for her," Legolas told Arwen, no hesitation in his voice. "She makes me feel.different. When I'm with her, nothing else matters." "There are a lot of decisions you must make now," Arwen said. "I cannot counsel you, for you know what I have chosen." "If that is what it takes for me to be with her, then I will do it," Legolas said firmly. "She will not want you to," Arwen said, placing a hand on Legolas' shoulder. "It is not her choice," Legolas said, eyes flashing. "It is my choice! You, Arwen, should understand." "I do, my friend," Arwen said calmly. "But so does she. Êlcàlë knows what will happen to me because of the choice I made. She will not want the same fate for you. She would rather forsake the love she has for you than have you give up your immortality for her." "I love her, Arwen," Legolas said, to himself as well as his long time friend. "I know," Arwen said, smiling. "She loves you too, I can see it when she looks at you." The two elves walked in silence again, both unsure of what to say next.
"We should head back in," Legolas said finally, breaking the silence. "It is almost time for dinner." Arwen nodded and together they walked back inside where they caught up with Aragorn and Êlcàlë right outside of the dining hall. Legolas and Êlcàlë walked in together, both of them avoiding the conversations they had had with the king and queen. Dinner was a fun affair as stories were told and jokes were made until everyone started to yawn and their eyes grew heavy-lidded with much needed sleep. Gimli whisked Legolas away though, right after dinner, grumbling about how Legolas didn't tell him that he would be visiting as well. Êlcàlë took another trip to the library before she headed back to her room with a book for the night. While in the bathroom changing, Êlcàlë head a knock on her door.
"Come in," Êlcàlë said as she slipped on her dark blue nightgown. "I'll be right out," she said as she did up the strings in the front of the nightgown. When she stepped out of the bathroom, she found Legolas in her room, holding the mithril box. "What is this?" Legolas said as he held the box. "It is a gift from Galadriel, is it not?" "It is," Êlcàlë said as she stepped closer to him. "How did you know?" "These markings," Legolas said as he pointed to tiny marks Êlcàlë had thought to just be decoration on the box. "It's Sindarian and it's Galadriel's name. It is small. I could barely make out the letters." "Oh," Êlcàlë said, mentally kicking herself for just leaving the box on the table. "What is in here?" Legolas asked, curious, but unwilling to open the box without permission. Êlcàlë took the box gently from his hand and opened it, revealing the ring. Legolas' eyes widened at the beautiful work of art and looked at Êlcàlë. "The ring is gorgeous. Why do you not wear it?" With a sigh, Êlcàlë sat Legolas down and told him about what Galadriel had told her about the ring. They sat in an awkward silence for awhile after Êlcàlë finished her story.
"Please say something," Êlcàlë said, unable to bear the silence any longer. Legolas, who had been staring off into space finally refocused on Êlcàlë, his eyes showing no emotion. This expression was hard to pull off through the raging inferno of emotions he felt inside. "You should go," Legolas said, trying to sound cheerful. "You have a chance to go home." "Yes," Êlcàlë said flatly, peering at Legolas, trying to figure out what he really felt. "A chance to go home," she echoed when she failed at trying to read Legolas. "When will you go?" Legolas asked, sill trying to sound cheerful that Êlcàlë could go home, but found it increasingly hard to do while his heart broke inside his chest. "Tomorrow afternoon, I guess," Êlcàlë replied, not looking him in the eyes as she placed the box back onto the table. Her heart ached. Legolas knew she could come back, but he made no indication that he even wanted her to come back. Legolas stood up and bowed to her slightly, a greeting he had not used with her for a long time. "Get some sleep," Legolas said with a smile. "It will be a long day tomorrow, it seems. Goodnight." "Goodnight," Êlcàlë said as she watched Legolas close the door quietly behind him and heard him walk softly down the hall. With a sigh, Êlcàlë blew out the candles around her room, holding one in her hand as she walked, before she reached her bed. She looked over at the book she had brought from the library, but realized she didn't have the heart to read it and blew out the candle that was in her hand as well.
~*~
Though she had tried, Êlcàlë couldn't sleep and was up and about as the very first lights of the sunrise touched the black sky, turning it a dark blue. She was surprised to see she was not the only one awake when she saw a blond-haired figure sitting in the courtyard.
"Legolas," Êlcàlë said as she approached, snapping the elf out of some sort of trance. "Can I speak with you?" "Of course," Legolas said smiling as he patted the bench he was sitting on. Êlcàlë sat down, but found herself unable to speak right away, so they sat there in silence again. "Do you want me to leave?" Êlcàlë said quietly, finally finding her voice, small as it was. "Have you already grown tired of me? Am I such a burden that you wish to be rid of me?" "What?" Legolas exclaimed as what Êlcàlë said sank in. "No! I just want you to be happy and for you to be able to go home." "I know now how my grandparents felt," Êlcàlë said as she felt torn between her choices. "Come," Legolas said quietly as he took her hand and led her back inside. "You need to be prepared when you make your journey."
~*~
Aragorn, Arwen, Gimli, Legolas, and Êlcàlë gathered in the library around noon that day. Êlcàlë had told Legolas to thank Elrond and Galadriel the next time he saw them, and to tell Glorfindel that she would always remember him, and hoped he would always remember him as well. The mood in the library that day was sad as they watched Êlcàlë pull out the box from the pouch she had with her.
"Thank you, my friends, for everything," Êlcàlë said, at a loss for words. "My stay here was amazing and I thank you for your hospitality." "There is no need, Êlcàlë," Arwen said softly. She didn't want to lose a friend like Êlcàlë yet, but could hardly stop her from leaving. Êlcàlë smiled and slipped on the ring. As she did, the ring started to glow. White light shot out in a small beam from the pink stone and the beam slowly got bigger until it was the size of a door. The glowing light from the ring stopped but the light lingered in the shape of a door in the middle of the library. All there was left to do now was to step through the portal. "I guess this is it," Êlcàlë said as she turned to face her friends again. "Goodbye," she said softly, looking from one person to another. Her eyes rested on Legolas for a moment longer than the others before she turned back around. "Wait!" Legolas cried as he ran forward. At his voice, Êlcàlë turned and found herself being wrapped into Legolas' strong arms. He bent down and kissed her fiercely, like he may never be able to kiss her again. When their lips parted, Legolas pulled her back into a tight embrace. "I love you," he whispered in her ear and hair as he tried to keep his heart from breaking. Legolas had told Êlcàlë once that he was in love with her, but this was the first time he had actually said those three small words that meant the world. "I will always love you." "I love you too," Êlcàlë said, unable to hold back the tears. Legolas let go and used his thumb to dry her cheeks, his hands still cupping her face. Êlcàlë gave him a small smile and Legolas pressed something into her hand. "I want you to have this," Legolas whispered as Êlcàlë opened her hand. She was holding a braided bracelet, each strand of the braid as fine as a hair, with a small pendant hanging near the clasp. Legolas Greenleaf was written in Sindarian Elvish, along with an emblem Êlcàlë took for the crest of Mirkwood. "Thank you," Êlcàlë said as Legolas put the bracelet on her left wrist. She thought rapidly, looking for something to give him and finally she remembered the barrette in her hair given to her by her grandmother, when she was younger. She was holding it the night she came to Middle Earth while she slept, missing her grandmother terribly. She undid the clasp and handed it to Legolas. "Keep this safe for me." Legolas nodded and they both realized it was time to part. "Goodbye," Êlcàlë said softly again before turning and stepping through the portal.
As soon as she passed the threshold, Êlcàlë's form was engulfed in light, but the portal did not close. A voice, deep and comforting, sounded through the light.
"You wish to go back," the voice stated. "I do," Êlcàlë said, her voice wavering slightly because she couldn't see who she was speaking to. "Who are you?" "They call me Ilùvatar," the voice said as Êlcàlë gasped. "Do not be shocked, my child. I have only come to guide you through this portal." "I thank you," Êlcàlë said softly as she looked around at the light around her. "It is quite simple to get through the portal," Ilùvatar said. "I must remind you now, that the portal will only open once more, and that will be after two days. On the third day, the portal will open again, whether you like it or not, for the ring has already finished its task. Though the portal is due to open again, it is you choice whether to come back or to stay in the world you grew up in. "I understand," Êlcàlë said, nodding her head. "Very well," Ilùvatar said. "Walk forward and you will see the opening to the other end of the portal soon. Good luck to you." The last part seemed to fade into the light even as it was spoken. "Thank you," Êlcàlë said as the voice floated away and walked forward. Soon, Êlcàlë saw a break in the light and started to walk quicker. She could see her living room and practically ran as it got closer and closer. As she stepped out, the portal closed on both sides behind her, leaving no trace of ever existing. Êlcàlë looked around at the familiar knick-knacks and furniture and sighed. She was back.
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Chapter 12
The two travellers journeyed a long way, trying to avoid trouble, but trouble came to them twice anyway. A small band of orcs stumbled into them, but Legolas and Êlcàlë managed to get away with only a few cuts and bruises, which is more than can be said for the orcs. Just outside of Gondor, a pack of wolves were seen lurking in the shadows by Legolas, but they didn't dare come too close to the White City. Finally, Legolas and Êlcàlë reached the palace, summer already starting to creep in, where they were welcomed by the King and Queen of Men.
"Mae govannen, mellon nin!" Aragorn said with a huge smile on his face as he walked, almost ran, to Legolas. Arwen and Êlcàlë smiled as they watched the two old friends embrace. "Mae govannen, King Elessar," Êlcàlë said as she curtsied. "Mae govannen, Queen Arwen," she said as she realized with an inner laugh how quickly she had recognized them. All the people she had met were much like the ones that had played the parts in the movies, almost like the actors and actresses had belonged in Middle-Earth, many lifetimes ago. "What is your name, fair maiden?" Aragorn asked as he bowed to the woman. Aragorn looked at Legolas with eyebrows raised. Very few humans could boast that they had befriended the Mirkwood prince, let alone travel with him. "My name is Joey, my lord," Êlcàlë said, pretending to not see the look Aragorn gave Legolas. "But I am called Êlcàlë here." "It is nice to meet you, Êlcàlë," Arwen said softly and Êlcàlë turned to her with a smile. An instant understanding and friendship grew between the two women. Arwen, an elf, was the Queen of Men, and felt lonely sometimes without any of her kin around her. "This is Glorfindel's granddaughter," Legolas said, shocking Aragorn and Arwen as he quickly recounted the story of Glorfindel and Anna to Aragorn. Arwen, of course, already knew the story and realized what it was that made this woman different. "She was whisked into this world by the power of a necklace and is now journeying through this land to explore the lands." "She is more than just a friend to you, is she not?" Aragorn said, as much to himself as to Legolas and Êlcàlë. Before Legolas could answer, Arwen smacked Aragorn lightly on the arm. "Must you always be so forthright?" Arwen said with a slight shake of her head. "You are embarrassing the lady!" "Not once does she speak of me," Legolas said, shaking his head. "You have known her for mere minutes and you help her, but you do not help a friend you have had for more than a millennia?" Êlcàlë laughed at the wide-eyed look Legolas gave Arwen as Arwen raised her eyebrow and gave him a sly smile before taking Êlcàlë's hand. "Come, Êlcàlë," Arwen said as they turned away from the two males. "Let's go get cleaned up." Legolas and Aragorn looked at each other, mouths open, watching Arwen and Êlcàlë walk away. "We're in trouble, my friend," Aragorn said shaking his head in defeat. The laughter of the two maidens could be heard through the halls of the palace as the words of the king reached their ears.
~*~
Êlcàlë and Arwen joined Legolas and Aragorn in the library where the two men were recalling old adventures. Êlcàlë sat down in the big, padded chair next to Legolas and he unconsciously took her hand into his as he continued to talk to Aragorn. "Ah ha!" Aragorn said as he jumped up from his said, nearly knocking over his chair and earning him another whack on the arm by Arwen. Êlcàlë glanced over at Legolas rather shyly, but felt her heart calm down as Legolas gave her a reassuring smile. "I believe that is the cue to leave the king and queen alone," Legolas said, getting up, still holding Êlcàlë's hand. "Come on. Let's go see the rest of the palace." "I didn't believe them when the guards said you were here," a gruff voice said from the doorway of the library. "I didn't know you'd be here, elf." "Gimli!" Legolas and Aragorn both said, surprised their stout friend had snuck up on them so easily. Gimli smiled and eyed the clasped hands of Legolas and Êlcàlë with surprise and delight. "Gimli, this is Êlcàlë," Legolas said as he followed Gimli's stare. "Come, let us make sure Gimli had a room and is found clothes to change into," Arwen said getting up form her chair and seemingly gliding over to the king and two friends. "If you don't mind, my lords and lady," Êlcàlë said, looking around at the library. "I would like to stay here for awhile." "As you wish, Êlcàlë," Aragorn said. "As long as you stop using formalities among friends," he said, causing all present to chuckle. "Very well, Aragorn," Êlcàlë said, happy to be thought of as a friend. The four left the library, leaving Êlcàlë in the library marvelling at the books. That is where Aragorn found her later that night, a short while before dinner.
"Êlcàlë," Aragorn said softly as she looked up from her book. "May I speak with you?" "Yes, of course," Êlcàlë said as she shut her book. "Where are the others?" "Gimli is resting," Aragorn said, chuckling. "He always thought he was stronger than he actually is," he said, causing Êlcàlë to laugh as well. "What is it you wanted to speak to me about?" Êlcàlë said as she got up from her chair and walked to the large door leading out to the small balcony. "Legolas, of course," Aragorn said, joining her outside on the balcony. The two stood there silently for a while as they saw Legolas and Arwen walking below them, distracted in their own conversation. "How is it that you came to meet?" he asked, as they watched Legolas and Arwen disappear around the corner. Êlcàlë recalled the first day she arrived in Middle Earth and told him much about the happenings since then. "He is most dear to me," Êlcàlë said, unable to put her feelings into words, but Aragorn nodded, understanding what she meant. "I too fell in love with an immortal, my friend," Aragorn said, smiling at Êlcàlë. "Aye," Êlcàlë said with a sigh. "Though I do not want Legolas to give up so much for me." Êlcàlë looked over at Aragorn sadly. "I'm not you, Aragorn. I cannot offer Legolas what you have given Arwen. You are the King of Men, and I am just a silly girl chasing a dream." "Love is never without sacrifice, my friend," Aragorn said as he gave he an encouraging pat on the shoulder. "You have already given him everything he could ever want, for you are the world to him. I can see it in his eyes when he looks at you." Êlcàlë met his gaze, tears in her eyes, but happy tears or sad ones, he didn't know. "Come, let us go for dinner." Êlcàlë nodded and took some deep breaths, hoping she could calm herself down.
At the same time, Legolas and Arwen were having a similar conversation as they walked along the ground of the palace.
"You care about her very much," Arwen said as Legolas walked alongside her aimlessly. "I would give my life for her," Legolas told Arwen, no hesitation in his voice. "She makes me feel.different. When I'm with her, nothing else matters." "There are a lot of decisions you must make now," Arwen said. "I cannot counsel you, for you know what I have chosen." "If that is what it takes for me to be with her, then I will do it," Legolas said firmly. "She will not want you to," Arwen said, placing a hand on Legolas' shoulder. "It is not her choice," Legolas said, eyes flashing. "It is my choice! You, Arwen, should understand." "I do, my friend," Arwen said calmly. "But so does she. Êlcàlë knows what will happen to me because of the choice I made. She will not want the same fate for you. She would rather forsake the love she has for you than have you give up your immortality for her." "I love her, Arwen," Legolas said, to himself as well as his long time friend. "I know," Arwen said, smiling. "She loves you too, I can see it when she looks at you." The two elves walked in silence again, both unsure of what to say next.
"We should head back in," Legolas said finally, breaking the silence. "It is almost time for dinner." Arwen nodded and together they walked back inside where they caught up with Aragorn and Êlcàlë right outside of the dining hall. Legolas and Êlcàlë walked in together, both of them avoiding the conversations they had had with the king and queen. Dinner was a fun affair as stories were told and jokes were made until everyone started to yawn and their eyes grew heavy-lidded with much needed sleep. Gimli whisked Legolas away though, right after dinner, grumbling about how Legolas didn't tell him that he would be visiting as well. Êlcàlë took another trip to the library before she headed back to her room with a book for the night. While in the bathroom changing, Êlcàlë head a knock on her door.
"Come in," Êlcàlë said as she slipped on her dark blue nightgown. "I'll be right out," she said as she did up the strings in the front of the nightgown. When she stepped out of the bathroom, she found Legolas in her room, holding the mithril box. "What is this?" Legolas said as he held the box. "It is a gift from Galadriel, is it not?" "It is," Êlcàlë said as she stepped closer to him. "How did you know?" "These markings," Legolas said as he pointed to tiny marks Êlcàlë had thought to just be decoration on the box. "It's Sindarian and it's Galadriel's name. It is small. I could barely make out the letters." "Oh," Êlcàlë said, mentally kicking herself for just leaving the box on the table. "What is in here?" Legolas asked, curious, but unwilling to open the box without permission. Êlcàlë took the box gently from his hand and opened it, revealing the ring. Legolas' eyes widened at the beautiful work of art and looked at Êlcàlë. "The ring is gorgeous. Why do you not wear it?" With a sigh, Êlcàlë sat Legolas down and told him about what Galadriel had told her about the ring. They sat in an awkward silence for awhile after Êlcàlë finished her story.
"Please say something," Êlcàlë said, unable to bear the silence any longer. Legolas, who had been staring off into space finally refocused on Êlcàlë, his eyes showing no emotion. This expression was hard to pull off through the raging inferno of emotions he felt inside. "You should go," Legolas said, trying to sound cheerful. "You have a chance to go home." "Yes," Êlcàlë said flatly, peering at Legolas, trying to figure out what he really felt. "A chance to go home," she echoed when she failed at trying to read Legolas. "When will you go?" Legolas asked, sill trying to sound cheerful that Êlcàlë could go home, but found it increasingly hard to do while his heart broke inside his chest. "Tomorrow afternoon, I guess," Êlcàlë replied, not looking him in the eyes as she placed the box back onto the table. Her heart ached. Legolas knew she could come back, but he made no indication that he even wanted her to come back. Legolas stood up and bowed to her slightly, a greeting he had not used with her for a long time. "Get some sleep," Legolas said with a smile. "It will be a long day tomorrow, it seems. Goodnight." "Goodnight," Êlcàlë said as she watched Legolas close the door quietly behind him and heard him walk softly down the hall. With a sigh, Êlcàlë blew out the candles around her room, holding one in her hand as she walked, before she reached her bed. She looked over at the book she had brought from the library, but realized she didn't have the heart to read it and blew out the candle that was in her hand as well.
~*~
Though she had tried, Êlcàlë couldn't sleep and was up and about as the very first lights of the sunrise touched the black sky, turning it a dark blue. She was surprised to see she was not the only one awake when she saw a blond-haired figure sitting in the courtyard.
"Legolas," Êlcàlë said as she approached, snapping the elf out of some sort of trance. "Can I speak with you?" "Of course," Legolas said smiling as he patted the bench he was sitting on. Êlcàlë sat down, but found herself unable to speak right away, so they sat there in silence again. "Do you want me to leave?" Êlcàlë said quietly, finally finding her voice, small as it was. "Have you already grown tired of me? Am I such a burden that you wish to be rid of me?" "What?" Legolas exclaimed as what Êlcàlë said sank in. "No! I just want you to be happy and for you to be able to go home." "I know now how my grandparents felt," Êlcàlë said as she felt torn between her choices. "Come," Legolas said quietly as he took her hand and led her back inside. "You need to be prepared when you make your journey."
~*~
Aragorn, Arwen, Gimli, Legolas, and Êlcàlë gathered in the library around noon that day. Êlcàlë had told Legolas to thank Elrond and Galadriel the next time he saw them, and to tell Glorfindel that she would always remember him, and hoped he would always remember him as well. The mood in the library that day was sad as they watched Êlcàlë pull out the box from the pouch she had with her.
"Thank you, my friends, for everything," Êlcàlë said, at a loss for words. "My stay here was amazing and I thank you for your hospitality." "There is no need, Êlcàlë," Arwen said softly. She didn't want to lose a friend like Êlcàlë yet, but could hardly stop her from leaving. Êlcàlë smiled and slipped on the ring. As she did, the ring started to glow. White light shot out in a small beam from the pink stone and the beam slowly got bigger until it was the size of a door. The glowing light from the ring stopped but the light lingered in the shape of a door in the middle of the library. All there was left to do now was to step through the portal. "I guess this is it," Êlcàlë said as she turned to face her friends again. "Goodbye," she said softly, looking from one person to another. Her eyes rested on Legolas for a moment longer than the others before she turned back around. "Wait!" Legolas cried as he ran forward. At his voice, Êlcàlë turned and found herself being wrapped into Legolas' strong arms. He bent down and kissed her fiercely, like he may never be able to kiss her again. When their lips parted, Legolas pulled her back into a tight embrace. "I love you," he whispered in her ear and hair as he tried to keep his heart from breaking. Legolas had told Êlcàlë once that he was in love with her, but this was the first time he had actually said those three small words that meant the world. "I will always love you." "I love you too," Êlcàlë said, unable to hold back the tears. Legolas let go and used his thumb to dry her cheeks, his hands still cupping her face. Êlcàlë gave him a small smile and Legolas pressed something into her hand. "I want you to have this," Legolas whispered as Êlcàlë opened her hand. She was holding a braided bracelet, each strand of the braid as fine as a hair, with a small pendant hanging near the clasp. Legolas Greenleaf was written in Sindarian Elvish, along with an emblem Êlcàlë took for the crest of Mirkwood. "Thank you," Êlcàlë said as Legolas put the bracelet on her left wrist. She thought rapidly, looking for something to give him and finally she remembered the barrette in her hair given to her by her grandmother, when she was younger. She was holding it the night she came to Middle Earth while she slept, missing her grandmother terribly. She undid the clasp and handed it to Legolas. "Keep this safe for me." Legolas nodded and they both realized it was time to part. "Goodbye," Êlcàlë said softly again before turning and stepping through the portal.
As soon as she passed the threshold, Êlcàlë's form was engulfed in light, but the portal did not close. A voice, deep and comforting, sounded through the light.
"You wish to go back," the voice stated. "I do," Êlcàlë said, her voice wavering slightly because she couldn't see who she was speaking to. "Who are you?" "They call me Ilùvatar," the voice said as Êlcàlë gasped. "Do not be shocked, my child. I have only come to guide you through this portal." "I thank you," Êlcàlë said softly as she looked around at the light around her. "It is quite simple to get through the portal," Ilùvatar said. "I must remind you now, that the portal will only open once more, and that will be after two days. On the third day, the portal will open again, whether you like it or not, for the ring has already finished its task. Though the portal is due to open again, it is you choice whether to come back or to stay in the world you grew up in. "I understand," Êlcàlë said, nodding her head. "Very well," Ilùvatar said. "Walk forward and you will see the opening to the other end of the portal soon. Good luck to you." The last part seemed to fade into the light even as it was spoken. "Thank you," Êlcàlë said as the voice floated away and walked forward. Soon, Êlcàlë saw a break in the light and started to walk quicker. She could see her living room and practically ran as it got closer and closer. As she stepped out, the portal closed on both sides behind her, leaving no trace of ever existing. Êlcàlë looked around at the familiar knick-knacks and furniture and sighed. She was back.