Chapter Fifteen

Good Bye

"Where were you yesterday?"Araviniel asked as she approached me in the yard. "I came to see you in the morning, but Mirlaic said you had gone."

I looked up at her as she said this while I groomed Talorta in the stable outside. I grinned, blushing slightly, "I was at the stream."

Araviniel's eyebrows rose in an elegant arch. "Oh? And what were you doing there?"

"Faerlain wished to see me." Talorta bobbed his head and knickered. "I'm sorry Talorta, I didn't think you would want to come." I said teasingly, I patted his neck and laughed as he raised his head and stuck out his lips in defiance.

"Well said Talorta." Araviniel replied. "So...what happened?"

I did not answer at first, my smile just grew wider and wider until I was sure she knew just by looking at me. Then I leaned over and softly told her the events of yesterday in her ear. It was the highlight of my day to see her expressions change. By the end she still wore a smile, yet it was bittersweet.

"Sometimes I too wonder if immortality is a gift or a curse." She said when I at last finished. She sighed, stepping closer to me and taking both my hands into hers. "He was sad today. You should go to him."

I knew where he would be instantly as if I had been drawn to him by an invisible string. He stood still, leaning up against they tree. He did not stir at my approach so I knew immediately that something was wrong.

"Suilad." I said, standing on tip-toe and placing a kiss on his cheek. His grey eyes caught mine and he smiled slightly.

"How did you know I was here?"

"The wind told me." I stood in front of him and slipped my arms around his waist. "Araviniel said you were not at rights. Is something wrong?"

He rested his chin upon my head and sighed softly. "My sister knows me far too well." He pulled apart from me, holding my shoulders and looking into my eyes. "Victoria, I've been called up."

I blinked, "What?"

"My battalion has been called up." He did not meet my gaze.

"The fighting is at its brink, it has turned into a full scale war. Large armies of orcs have crossed the river, Isen. They come close to Fangorn and are heading towards us. We have been called to fight."

I swallowed the cry that threatened to escape my lips and I held back my tears. I forced a smile upon my trembling lips and turning his face towards me again. "Is that the worst?" I asked in the lightest tone I could muster.

He shook his head, "I leave at dawn."

Ouch. That was the worst. I brushed his lips with a gentle kiss. "I can wait. Not forever mind you, but I can wait."

He looked full at me again, his eyes widened slightly in surprise. "You will?"

"Or course! Did you think I would abandon you now? I love you Faerlain, I will wait."

"I was afraid that..."

I placed my finger on his lips, silencing his unspoken fear. I smiled slightly, "Do not be afraid."

"I cannot give you a proper wedding. When I come back..."

I silenced him again. "A wedding? Does this mean you are asking me to marry you?"

He smiled, issuing a small laugh. He looked at the river, then back at me. "I went to fast didn't I? Now...how is it they do it where you come from? Oh yes..." He kneeled, looking up at me so that I couldn't help but smile. "Victoria Saronedhel,"

I blinked again in confusion, "Lover of Elves." He whispered to me.

"Oh. Start again."

"Victoria Saronedhel, will you consent to be my wife?"

"Do you even have to ask?" I pulled him to his feet and kissed him again.

"Wait good sir, you have no ring."

He paused at this, then smiled as he recollected something. "No, I don't." He reached inside his shirt and pulled out a medallion that hung on a silver chain. "Will this do until I get one?"

It was a silver medallion, with a blue horse etched in the center. It sparkled in the sunlight, he took it and placed it around my neck. I could feel the warm metal against my chest. I looked up at him, "It's beautiful. Where did you get it?"

"It doesn't matter." He replied. "Will it suffice?"

I smiled, nodding. "Yes. It will." He was silent again, he gazed deeply into my eyes, brushing stray locks of my brown hair away from my face. He was smiling still, though I still saw the look of sadness in his eyes. I took his hand in mine and squeezed it encouragingly.

"When you come back, we will do everything right."

For the first time that day, I saw the true smile I had grown to love so much and then he kissed me tenderly. I was glad I made him happy, but the medallion soon grew cold, a reminder that he was not with me. For ever with all my reassuring words and promises, I was heartbroken. And even remembering our kisses and the thought of us married could not ease my tears that night.

I stood out in the street that morning. It was windy, and the warmth from the sun seemed to have vanished with the departure of Faerlain's battalion. Cudir had to go as well. Mirlaic, Alphril, Araviniel, Ana, Elenowen with little Turwethiel in her arms, and I all stood with the rest of the villagers as the warriors filed out of Gilloth. Before his disappeared into the forest, he turned and met my gaze. He nodded, smiled sadly, and for the second time I watched him leave Gilloth with my silent tears falling behind him.

Another sad chapter. Sorry everyone! But I hoped you enjoyed the previous one. :) I hope and plan to update soon. :) Please review!

Thanks to Kiann and to all my readers. :)

Namarie,

Luthien Anaclime

TO BE CONTINUED...