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Forty-four years. Roughly half the life of a Man and a Hobbit, a fifth the life of a Dwarf, and a fleeting moment to an Elf.
Tauriel had made a truce of sorts with her demons; finding strength anew as she forced herself to turn each day from the darkness to light. Lord Elrond had been right, Elves did not have the luxury of healing a broken heart as Men did, but that didn't mean she had to give into her sorrow. She was stronger than she thought, even if she didn't always believe it.
The love of those around her kept her moving forward, each day helping her heal. There was still good to be found in the world around her, in the people she met and the adventures she had and the peace she helped establish, uneasy though it may be.
She now looked fondly upon the stars, her memory gentle and her heart full. Sometimes she would talk to him; seeking advice, sharing the events of her day, or reminiscing about their short time together and her dreams for their reunion.
Each year, though, brought with it its own set of struggles as the Races fought amongst themselves; hate had always been easier to keep company with than peace. Through it all, even as war broke out and the looming evil drew nearer, she kept her head even as everyone else faltered. She had a gift even rare to Elves, for she could see above the storm clouds to the starlight sky and the bright sun. She never wavered from her path, knowing what it was she fought for. Sometimes it was a struggle, living among Men and Dwarves, but never would she have traded her life for anything.
She was there to mother all the orphaned children of Dale, tending to them as if they were her own. She accompanied Dain as he visited different kingdoms on important Dwarven holidays; though she towered above those within the Race, she always knew she belonged among them and could have happily made her life with them. She was a friend to all and beloved by all. Even the Hobbits in the Shire lit up when they saw the renown Tauriel Athelas venturing to their small village to celebrate Bilbo Baggins.
Loyally, she remained by King Bain's side as King's Advisor. She was there the day he married, the day each of his precious children were born, and the day he died and his son took the throne.
Through the years, she visited countless realms in hopes of securing acceptance and harmony between the different Races of Middle-Earth, but she never forgot her home. She would still linger among the statues, remembering fondly the stories Dís had gifted her and the time she had spent with her beloved and the reunion which she was sure would come one day. The stone remained safely hidden among the Athelas, which had lovingly bedded around the feet of every statue.
Each year she would journey to her first home in Mirkwood to celebrate Mereth Nuin Giliath. It was during this year that an uneasy foreboding seized her. Something was wrong; something was coming.
She didn't know at the time, or maybe she did, as she rode down the familiar rode that her story was nearing its final chapters; the end was looming.
Legolas was home from his own journey when she arrived and the two reunited as old friends; enjoying a last carefree day of hunting. He noticed the change in her; how free and open she was. How she had changed in her years among the Men and Dwarves!
He couldn't help but watch her in awe. Kili had won her love, a feat not most had even attempted let alone succeeded at, and his loss had pushed her to do wonders within the kingdoms of Middle-Earth. To think the love of a Dwarf could have changed her so; maybe the Race wasn't so bad after all.
Then the night set, bringing an ominous air with it. Without hint, the kingdom was under attack by an Orc army and the once lovely festival of life and peace was thrown into death and chaos.
Tauriel fought hard; her years of training coming through as she defended the realm. Within hours, the threat was subdued, and the wounded were tended to. But this was merely a distraction from the main event.
"Gollum has escaped!" Legolas announced, "And the pack was seen heading towards Dale."
Tauriel didn't waste anytime as she found a horse and took off through the trees. The horse found strength it didn't have and pounded the ground, making the miles fleeting.
The sight she came upon was horrifying. Thousands of orcs were laying siege to Dale; the walls were holding as the Dwarves attacked from their advantage. Still, blood was already staining the earth.
She dismounted with a flourish, her bow nocked and fired before her feet had landed. She found Dain with ease, right in the middle per usual with his red hair flaming around him like wildfire. She joined him, a matching blaze.
Her eyes caught sight of Brand; he was a man in his own right, but she saw the legacy of Bard and Bain living within him. Still, he was but a child, at least to her, and she knew he had never seen battle like this before. She moved to his side; knowing she must protect her King no matter the cost.
The battle continued until the full moon was high above them, lighting up the sinister goings of the earth below. The tide only turned when the Elven guard broke through the forest. With three sides united – Man, Dwarf, and Elf – they would easily defeat their enemy, together.
Brand, being as inexperienced as Tauriel feared, tired and allowed his sword to lower too soon as the quarrels quieted. The orcs still had their plan and drive to carry it out; as silent as death, one snuck up behind the young King.
Tauriel had just called his name as she moved to parry, her knife staying the uneven axe. She blocked each attempt, her strength renewed, but her eyes grew worried as she saw more enemies spill out from the hidden cavern. The others were too far away and would be of no use; Dain was across the field fighting off his own assailant and most of the battle had moved to the gate of Dale to fight back those who threatened the city.
Still, Tauriel halted many of the creatures. Her eyes caught sight of Brand as he was cut across the thigh, dropping him to his vulnerable knees. With ease, she killed her opponent and made her way towards the final enemy. She stopped his killing blow and pushed him back, forcing her way between the devil and her child, who was desperately trying to stand.
The fight continued but the orc was strong and all she could do was continue to hold her ground between him and Brand. Then the blow came; she fell to the ground, bringing her sword up just in time to stay the sharp, jagged edge of the axe's end. All her strength poured into her arms, refusing to move. Her eyes calculated his movements, watching as he bore down upon his weapon. She was trapped, unable to reach her dagger. But, if she allowed his weapon to meet its mark, she could meet hers.
Steeling her nerve, she loosened her hold. Her gasp was stolen as the edge pierced her heart. Unyielding to the pain, she parried and returned a fatal blow, relieving her adversary's head from its body. The lumbering body fell with a resounding thud and she continued to struggle for air, finding peace that Brand was safe.
Her shadowing eyes looked upon the sky, the few stars scattered across the heavens as dawn broke.
She heard the familiar call of her name, and then the desperate calls of Elvëa as the world faded.
A familiar statue loomed in the corner of her eye and she turned, a small smile drawing across her paling lips when she saw the Athelas with its brilliant white buds.
What a fitting end to such a grand warrior not only of the sword but of justice and peace; to pass from this world to the next on the night her heart had first been opened. Killed protecting those she loved, just as Kili had done for her all those years before.
This battle was won, but the victory was not celebrated with rejoicing and song, but pain and heartache. The Woodland King and the King Under the Mountain found their equal desperately clinging to the empty body of the She-Elf who had given so much to each of them. Dain knelt across from the young King, freely sharing in his tears and grief.
Thranduil stood to the side, silent tears tracing his face.
Her death was not for nothing. For her sacrifice had opened Thranduil's eyes to the coming storm, it solidified the desperate need for solidarity between the Races.
"She should be with 'im." Dain sniffed, holding fast to the chilled hand of his once life-filled friend.
"You cannot put her underground." Thranduil insisted.
Dain looked up, nodding solemnly, "Open the great tomb, bring 'im out." Large tears blurred his eyes, "They need to be together."
The nations of each Race gathered to mourn their beloved Tauriel. Soon enough, they had cleared a place within the Garden of Statues and laid the She-Elf, still dressed in her battle armor, there as the Dwarves brought up the youngest of the line of Durin. Each looked on in awe, none more so than the Elves, as the body of Kili was brought to the surface, as fresh as the day he was laid within the catacombs.
Dain just smiled, "Aye, 'e waited for 'er." He looked to his friends, "Love 'as a magic all its own, something we will never be able to understand."
Another day they would dress her, laying her to rest as a bride, and build a grand, crystal dome to house the pair. But, for today, they would simply mourn.
Thranduil was the one to move forward and boldly entwine their hands as Dain sent his ravens to deliver the news of the passing of Tauriel Athelas.
"Sleep well. Both of you."
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Tauriel gasped, air returning to her lungs as life was restored. Night had fallen once again; the stars scattered across the entirety of her vision. Not an expanse remained untouched. Her ears perked at the sound of water and she slowly sat up, looking down to the black sand which she lay upon.
"Amrâlimê?"
Her heart trembled and she hastened to turn, "Kili?" Her voice was breathless, unable to believe her own eyes.
Kili stood, just as he had on the beach all those years ago, with his sweet, unwavering smile, "Tauriel." He offered her his hand, "I have been waiting for you."
She stumbled to her knees and captured her in his arms, fearing he was nothing but an apparition and calming only when she felt his warmth and heard his steady heartbeat. His face was boyish and content as he gazed down upon her, his greatest treasure. She looked back up to him, her face illumined by love.
And, finally, they shared their kiss.
"It is time for us to go." He whispered as he pulled back, lovingly caressing her hair.
She pulled back, her bliss steadfast as she blinked back tears, "Go where? I am exactly where I want to be forevermore."
"To the Halls." He smiled, gently taking her face in his hands, "They will want to see you, my lady."
Her heart raced, never in her wildest dreams had she thought such blessing would be bestowed upon her.
He led them through the twilight to a dock where a simple but fine craft rested, the waves lapping its sides. It needed no captain or crew; this was a one-way journey, and the ferry knew the way well.
"Are they over there?" She nodded across the shimmering water, awed by the perfect reflection it cast of the sky. She couldn't tell which way was up and which was down as they made their way across the sea.
Kili only gave her hand a squeeze in reply.
Tauriel looked out across to the shoreline, her hair dancing in the wind. There was her family long since passed; Bard, Bain, Dís, and so many others she had come to love over her many years.
Sighing, she leaned against the mast, feeling the comforting presence of her beloved beside her as he held her hand fast.
She was finally home.
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