Notice: I want to explain why Tauriel didn't go to Rivendell with Legolas. She is still the chief of the guard and can't leave the realm.

CHAPTER 4. Desolation (part 2)

I've waited a hundred years

But I'd wait a million more for you

Nothing prepared me for the privilege of being yours

If I had only felt the warmth within your touch

If I had only seen how you smile when you blush

Or how you curl your lip when you concentrate enough

I would have known what I was living for

What I've been living for

Legolas woke up when it only started to dawn and gently set himself free from Tauriels' embracings trying not to awake her. It was hard to leave but he had to even if all he wished right now was to hold her close and fall asleep again.

He knew it wasn't that simple about the council. Something happened. Nevertheless, Legolas didn't tell Tauriel about his fears. If he did she would like to come with him and he only wanted to keep her safe even if they had to part for this. With a deep breath, he kissed her forehead for the last time.

He got dressed for the road and so was gone.

He couldn't know that all of his fears will came true at one moment and that little kiss has been the last one for many years.

Legolas realized that he sighted his own death warrant with the phrase "you have my bow" but he couldn't do the other way.

The only thing he had was unfading, almost desperate hope to return. Legolas knew that as long as he was hoping he could keep going through any fight.

And then it was over. The peace came. He sensed it. But all of his hopes were destroyed as soon as he got home. Tauriel was not here.

"Where is she?" almost shouted Legolas when he ran into his father's chambers.

"It's nice to see you too. I'm glad you're alive," Thranduil said as if he didn't hear anything Legolas has said.

"Where is Tauriel?"

"She is not here. She's in Valinor."

"I thought we pass this long time ago. You promised to take care of her while I'm away."

"And I did. I sent your dearest wife to the Undying lands to keep her safe."

"I don't believe it. She wouldn't leave…" "But she left. Believe me she got reason," Legolas saw the king was totally serious.

"What reason?"

"I cannot tell you. Tauriel asked me not to. But am sure you would do the same thing if you were here. If I knew the end of that war from the beginning, I would never send her away. You would be happy to know why she left. But, alas, I will keep my promise."

Legolas seemed to trust his father. After all, Tauriel was safe and that was the main thing.

"What about you? Are you going to leave Middle-earth?"

"Yes, I am but not now. I wish to stay in Minas-Tirith till Elesar's death but then I will leave."

Legolas knew he'll leave Mirkwood, Middle-earth even before he came back home.

"Legolas Greenleaf long under tree

In joy thou hast lived. Beware of the Sea!

If thou hearest the cry of the gull on the shore,

Thy heart shall then rest in the forest no more."

Galadriel's prediction came true and he felt the call of sea. He wouldn't stay here for a long time. But now he was worried about what has happened that made Tauriel leave Mirkwood that she even didn't want him to know.

As he had planned, Legolas spend a few decades in the City of the Kings. Legolas felt that he had to be there. He saw how Aragorn's son grew up. He was there when the king of Gondor died. He was the one who told his son to choose an elven life instead of being human. "If you mother losses both of you, she will have nothing to life for. You cannot let her fade."

Then the moment came when it was his turn to leave and he did so sailing to Valinor. He just realized that nothing held him here.

And now I will explain why Legolas didn't leave to Valinor at once but waited for so many years (I think something about 60 years. Aragorn was about 40 if I'm not wrong. Anyway, he could live till 100 years). Legolas knows that Tauriel is safe, he doesn't know about the child. So he could stay with his friend for some time. I should add that 60 years are not so much for immortal.