Chapter XIX: Departure

Glorfindel headed for Elyndiriel's room, for he needed to ask her something of great importance. He found her standing on her balcony, just staring out over Rivendell.

Glorfindel studied his daughter in concern. Her face no longer showed the delight that she had always found in the beauty of Rivendell; rather, her once bright eyes were now dull, her lovely face now expressionless. He sighed heavily. Elyndiriel had become so withdrawn, from him and from everything else. She was silent now, so bound to her grief. He had attempted to get her to speak with him about it; for he feared that it would become so great that she would perish from its weight. But he had soon learned that Elyndiriel would not succumb to her grief. Her strength had proven to be too great to allow her to perish from it. He walked out onto the balcony, but she did not turn to face him.

"Elyndiriel," he said softly. She did not respond, but continued to stare ahead, her gaze unmoving.

"Elyndiriel," he said again, and took her hand. "I need to speak with you." She turned to him, and he winced at the emptiness he saw in her eyes. She nodded slightly, and he led her back inside. They sat on her couch, and he took her hand. She did not meet his eyes.

"Elyndiriel," he began. "Lord Elrond will soon be departing for Valinor on the last ship to leave Middle-earth." He paused for a moment before continuing, "I must leave as well, my daughter."

She looked at him then, fear shining in her eyes. "You are leaving, Ada?" she asked.

Glorfindel nodded. "Yes. It is time for me to leave these shores." He reached out and touched her hair. "I want you to come with me, Elyndiriel."

Alexa stared at her father in surprise. He wanted her to leave with him? "You do?" she asked, unable to prevent her voice from wavering.

He smiled at her. "Of course, Elyndiriel. I love you, and I want you with me."

Alexa frowned slightly and thought about her father's request. What is keeping me here? Lalaith, Orophin, and Rumil have already left for Valinor, and Aragorn and Arwen's time is consumed with the rebuilding and ruling of Gondor. She sighed. There is nothing for me here any longer. She looked at her father, and saw the love and hope shining in his eyes. He was all that she had left.

"I will go with you, Father," she told him.

Glorfindel breathed a sigh of relief, and embraced her tightly. "I am so glad, Elyndiriel."

He released her and looked into her eyes. "We will be leaving within the week, my child."

She nodded and he rose. He bid her farewell, and left to inform Elrond that there would be one more passenger accompanying them.

Alexa stood on the bow of the ship, and enjoyed the wind and the spray of the sea on her face. She closed her eyes and thought back over their departure. She and her father had left Rivendell with Lord Elrond, and when they had reached the Grey Havens, they were joined by Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. Gandalf the White, Bilbo Baggins, and the Ringbearer, Frodo Baggins, had left on the ship with them, along with several other Elves that she did not know. All of the other Elves seemed to be at ease with leaving Middle-earth, yet Alexa was not. She sighed. She knew that Middle-earth no longer held anything for her, yet she had felt an overwhelming sadness at leaving it behind. Although some of the darkest times of her life had occurred in Middle-earth, it had still been her home. A faint smile crossed her lips. Some of the happiest moments of her life had happened there as well.

Her mind began to wander to memories of Haldir. Middle-earth had brought him to her, yet it had taken him away as well. She bowed her head as hot tears stung her eyes. A single tear rolled down her cheek, but she quickly brushed it away. She took several deep breaths and tried to ward off the grief that threatened to overtake her. She could not cry, for she knew that if she did, she would never stop. She managed to fight off her tears, but she could not fight off the pain and regret that weighed so heavily upon her heart. She would never forgive herself for not answering Haldir, for letting him die thinking that she did not want to marry him. She sighed heavily. Oh, how she wished she had told him 'yes' the moment he had asked her. But like a fool, she had listened to her mind and her fear, instead of to the love in her heart. She started slightly as she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder. She turned, and met her father's concerned, loving gaze.

"Are you all right, Elyndiriel?" he asked, his voice gentle.

She nodded. "Yes, Father. I am well," she lied.

He looked at her, understanding and empathy shining in his eyes. "I understand the pain that you are feeling, daughter. I know it all too well."

Alexa sighed. She knew that he was the one person who could understand what she was feeling. "Does the pain ever go away, Ada?"

He smiled sadly and gently cupped her cheek. "No, little one. It eases somewhat, but it never completely leaves."

She lowered her head, but he tipped her chin and looked into her eyes. "I will always be here, Elyndiriel. I will never leave you."

He leaned forward and embraced her, and she clung to him like a frightened child. She desperately wanted to believe him, to believe that he would never leave, but she could not. Haldir had told her the same thing.

Author's Note: I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Only 2 more chapters to go!