Legolas hardly noticed the Great Sea. Nothing could divert his mind from the fact that in a few minutes, Laurelin would sail away from him. They were holding hands and walking on the beach, watching the ship being readied to sail.

"Legolas, you remember your promise?", Laurelin asked him softly. Her blue eyes were filled with tears, waiting to fall.

"I will never forget it. I swore to you that I would follow you wherever you went. Never lose hope, melamin, no matter how long it takes, I will return to you".

Laurelin flung her arms around his neck with a sob. Legolas hugged her closer, wishing he need never let go. They stood together like that for a long moment, unaware of the world around them. Legolas lifted up her chin to look at him.

"Whatever happens, I will always love you", he whispered, before kissing her. The remained like that for what seemed like a long time, but was only a few moments. Legolas finally broke the kiss and looked towards the ship. A cold shiver ran through his body when he realized it was ready to sail. Laurelin felt his grip tighten round her. She looked up at him, reading the look in his eyes.

"Legolas", she said, in a broken whisper, before desperately bringing her lips to his, kissing him again.

They walked slowly to the edge of the water, holding onto each other's arms. And then, all too soon, the ship was close enough to touch. Laurelin glanced at Legolas, her heart breaking at the pain that was so clearly etched in his face.

She kissed his forehead, caressing his face gently, smoothing his soft golden hair, tears running down her cheeks.

"Namaarie", she whispered, turning to board the ship. Legolas caught her wrist. He brushed his lips against her cheek.

"Namaarie, melamin".

~~~~~~~~

Legolas sighed as he rode through the gates and back into his home. Already he missed her. Tears gathered in his eyes, threatening to fall, as he passed by the platform under the trees where he and Laurelin were wed in a ceremony in Mirkwood, after their return from their wedding in Rivendell. She had been here for such a short time, yet every corner seemed to recall her presence.
Legolas dismounted his horse in a daze and walked on, unaware of where his feet were leading him. Finally, he stopped in front of a familiar door. It was where his tiny feet had led him as an elfling, when he craved comfort, advice or plain affection. The door opened now, and a familiar face looked at him.

"Legolas ?", Thranduil said softly. He had never seen his son like this before.

"She has gone, Ada", he whispered. Thranduil took Legolas in his arms and simply held him as he wept out all the pain, sorrow and despair of the past months.

~~~~~~~~~

Laurelin sat on the sand, watching the waves break onto the shore. Valinor was beautiful beyond imagination. But Laurelin knew a part of her was missing. It had remained in Middle-Earth. The strong winds whipped her hair out of the loose braid she had made. She hugged her knees close to her body, fighting the urge to weep. Tears had been wept enough in Middle- Earth. Suddenly, Laurelin stood up and walked to the edge of the shore, letting the water wet her bare feet.

"I am waiting, Legolas", she whispered to the wind, "I love you".........