Can You Thaw This Heart Of Mine?

Chapter 20 (final)

"Legolas..." whispered Tauriel, quite unsure of what to say.

The prince looked at her and gave a soft smile. Before them were many elves, Legolas would understand if she felt nervous...especially at their wedding.

"Look," he said, "you are going to be fine...there is nothing to be afraid of. I'm here."

Tauriel couldn't help but smile back. He always knew what to say. "Thank you, meleth."

"There's nothing to thank of..." he replied quietly and held her hands. Pretty soon, the elf to join them in matrimony began to speak.

They said their vows and sealed their promises with a kiss. He loves her...and there is nothing more to explain. Legolas swore that he will treat her the way she should be; he will never let another tear slide off her eyes...she had cried enough for him, for their love. He might as well repay her with a lifelong period of happiness. Yes, they had their misunderstandings, but the prince will try his hardest not let these things get in the way of their love.

To the couple's dismay, it took Thranduil some time to accept Tauriel, but like the prince said: "I don't care..." and he shrugged it off.

They were blessed with a daughter...and Legolas could never been happier. She had her mother's hair, and she had her father's eyes. She was a beautiful princess, and she grew up fair and wise. Her grandfather quickly learned to love her, and soon, Tauriel.

But luke they say, good things come to an end, and tragedy struck them... Tauriel's life was at stake.

They said that she was getting weaker and weaker everyday. They all were confused and baffled.

Elves never get sick!

They tried to get answers, but all they got was a horrible conclusion.

Her condition was not curable, and there was no medicine strong enough to heal her.

But Legolas refused to believe it...he is not going to lose his beloved!

She lived for nearly a hundred years more before her final moments on her bed. Yes, a hundred years is long...but for an elf, it was just the blink of an eye. And Legolas knew that his wife won't be with him any moment soon.

It saddened him...and worse, he didn't know how to cope up with the grieving in his heart.

"Meleth..." said the failing elleth as she lay in bed, dying and struggling to speak.

Tears flowed from Legolas' eyes as he held her hand and kissed it. He was about to lose her...he can't accept it, not even a little bit!

"Meleth, I want you to know that even if I am gone, you should find a new reason to rise up and fight..."

Legolas shut his eyes and looked down, letting the tears fall. He wished this was just a nightmare and he will wake up with her by the time he opens his eyes.

Tauriel sighed once more. "...do it for me Legolas..."

Nodding, the prince promised, though it will be very hard for him. He loved her so much, and now, she is leaving him...for good.

Smiling weakly, Tauriel caressed her husband's face, wiping his tears away. Seeing her there both comforted and pained the prince. And when her eyes started to close, Legolas gripped her hand tighter and more tears flowed out.

He could see the radiance from her face starting to fade, but he could still see the beauty of an elven queen right there in front of him: in bitter pain, but smiling sweetly.

"I'll love you...forever, meleth nin..." she whispered, and she was gone.

Legolas' POV

"It was Tauriel that helped me find what I really wanted, and it had been her all along. Her cheery personality, her courage, her fierceness, her beauty- it all made me fall in love her, but I then realized that it had been her heart and her love...her love that if I hadn't accepted, I would still be prince grumpy-pants, and I wouldn't have had the chance to smile again.

She changed me, and I knew she saved me as well.

I felt the cold wind blow my hair back as me and Gimli neared Valinor. I knew that he was what Tauriel has been talking about...that reason that could help me be happy again. He was a best friend like no other, and I am thankful that he came into my life...

But most of all, I am thankful for that rainy night Tauriel stumbled into my room...for little did I know that the greatest thing that ever happened in my life had just stumbled into my heart as well..."

The End