For Love, Duty, and Honor

The rays of the new morning sun danced across Legolas's face, prickling his skin, and warming him to the touch. The weather seemed fair, and welcomed him as he stepped from his fellowship's sleeping hole in a cave. Never once had he not thought about his beloved Tari, yet Legolas had also not forgot his duty to this quest.

There were nine in this fellowship, including Legolas. Four were of hobbit kind, Frodo, the ringbearer, and his three mates, Sam, Merry, and Pippin. The halflings barely reached Legolas's waist, but they had good hearts. A dwarf named Gimli, often kept the cheerful side on a downpoint, but was great with an axe. The great wizard, Gandalf, was both wise and kind. He sadly was lost in the Mines of Moria. Lastly, the two men of Gondor; Boromir, son of Denethor, and Aragorn, son of Arathorn, and sole heir to the throne of Gondor. Both mens' views often differed, but both were good leaders, and only wanted what was best for their people.

The quest to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom, in the land of Mordor would be a long, dangerous journey. Great risk would be involved, but the risk was worth it, if Legolas could keep Tari from harm.

Legolas led the group since his sight was keen and his hearing was advanced. Then, as they came around a bend, a battle was taking place before them. With hobbits, it would've been foolish to fight. Everyone dashed into the bushes, as Aragorn and Boromir dragged the kicking Gimli in behind. He was a little too bold at times. Leaving the others in the safety of the brush, Aragorn and Legolas crept closer for a better view. Legolas's heartbeat was steady, yet his mind raced his breathing. Suddenly, he darted from the brush, leaving Aragorn in awe.

"Legolas!" his voice echoed.

Each shot was aimed beautifully, as Legolas massacured the group of mettling orcs one by one. Once he made it to the end of the river, Aragorn and the others took over the slaughter, until the river ran red.

Legolas knelt by one of his own in disbelief, for it was his own kind that had fallen by the hand of the enemy. Then, from behind him, Legolas heard Aragorn call out to him. "Legolas, here!"

Legolas catapulted over a boulder, and came to Aragorn's side. Legolas focused his eyes on the elf at Aragorn's feet.

"Rùmil," Legolas whispered, placing his hand on his comrade's chest wound.

"Legolas, leave it," Rùmil gurgled out. "It is done."

His body quivered slightly, for his nervous system was ruptured from the arrows.

"Listen to me, Legolas," Rùmil ordered. "You.....you must find my daughter. Find Tàri."

"Tàri?!" Legolas spit out. "Why, where is she?!"

"It's my fault. I drove her away with my own selfishness and demise," Rùmil confessed. "She left not a day ago to search for you."

"Then, that explains why you were here," Legolas said, connecting the dots.

Rùmil nodded slightly, "Tell her.... tell her, I was wrong. You are honorable, my son. Take good care of her."

"I promise. I vow to you," Legolas answered sternly. Rùmil turned his head toward the sky. Then, he took his last breath, and died in the arms of Legolas.

Legolas tilted his head, bent inward, and kissed Rùmil on his forehead.