Chapter 13: A Pale Moon (finally) Rises
A/N: I apologize again that Thorontur had to die. You'll see later why he had too, but I can't tell you because it would be a spoiler.
Yay! The story is now a teenager! I've had 57 whole reviews! Thanks so much! Ya know, if it weren't for you guys then I wouldn't keep writing, and there would be no story. So thanks a bunch! And thanks for the three newest reviewers, Nene Shichirobei, amrawo, and LOTR Lover 24 and 7!
Disclaimer: Never have, don't now, and never will. (This seems to be my permanent disclaimer.)
Elerina walked through the hallways. Even after the few weeks in this place, each turn always seemed unfamiliar. She finally found someone, and asked him if he knew where Legolas was. He replied that he was preparing for the departure of the Fellowship.
Elerina knew what happened in the books, and she knew that Legolas didn't die or anything, but although she knew was in Middle-Earth, she didn't know how closely in every detail to the story their journey would be. Tolkien didn't talk a lot about Legolas, Elerina remembered. This journey would be dangerous. Something could go wrong.
Suddenly she stopped. She couldn't persuade him not to go, obviously. So why was she seeking him so earnestly?
'I suppose to tell him good-bye,' she thought. As she turned the next corner, she ran into Elrohir.
"Oh, hey Elerina. Whatcha doing?" he said.
"I'm looking for Legolas. Do you know where he is?" she asked.
"It's dark, so he went to bed. Needs lots of rest for tomorrow, I guess. Though I'm sure he would be glad to see you," he said with a grin.
Elerina smirked. "Whatever you say…" She turned back down the hall. She did need to talk to him, but disturbing his rest before they leave might not be the best thing.
"Uh, your welcome? Whatever," Elrohir retorted as he walked down the opposite hall. A few seconds later Elerina heard a shout and whooping laughter 'I got you!'. She smiled in spite of herself.
Elerina walked aimlessly through the halls, not really caring where she was going. Suddenly she found herself at Míriel's door. She knocked on it, and a weak "Come in" was heard from inside the room. Elerina opened the door.
"Hey, Míriel. Just wanted to check up on you. You doing okay?" she asked the woman as she sat down next to her on the bed.
"As good as anyone can be after…" she said, almost breaking down in tears all over again. "We're going to travel down to the Grey Havens as soon as the Fellowship leaves tomorrow. I'm sorry, Elerina, but I hope you understand. I need to be with Thorontur. I love you, Elerina, and maybe someday you can come and join us," she replied.
"You're leaving? Across the sea?" Elerina asked, shocked.
"Yes, dear. I'm sorry."
Elerina could feel hot tears welling up in her eyes. Thorontur was gone, Legolas was leaving, and so was Míriel. What was she going to do now? She supposed she could continue to teach Erulissë and Alassiel how to ride, but…
"Well, Elerina, I'm very tired. I will see you in the morning," Míriel said.
"Yes, in the morning," Elerina replied, hardly listening. She hugged Míriel and left her room, closing the door behind her.
She walked towards the door to the gardens, and opened it quietly. The sky was deep velvety blue, and there hundreds of stars twinkled down at Elerina. She started walking, and found herself at the stable door. She walked towards Wingfoot's stall, and opened it as he nickered to her.
"Oh, Wingfoot. I'm so tired. And everyone is leaving." Wingfoot nudged her for a sugar cube. "I don't have one, boy." Elerina put her head on his neck and hid her face in his mane, silent tears streaming down her face. She wished her mother was there.
"I am here…" a voice in her head said. "I will always be here to guide you."
Elerina sniffed and patted Wingfoot. "I'll see you tomorrow, boy," she said and left his stall. She hugged her arms as she walked back through the cool night air. She went back to her room and sat down on the window sill, looking out as a pale moon began to rise.
A/N: I think I'm in the Hall of Fame for short chapters. Sorry! Well, anyway, yay for the title finally in one of the chapters! I'll try to get the next chapter up soon.