The battle has ended, but at what cost? I watch from my perch as the surviving dwarves grief over the fallen body of their Prince. Some distance away, Bilbo and Gandalf have sought each other out, deciding to comfort each other in silence. And an even greater distance away, I can hear the heart breaking sobs of a certain she-elf mourning the loss off her love.

The bloodline of Thorin Oakenshield is no more. I do not know for certain what will happen to his much-desired kingdom, but I know it will be left in good hands. I also know for certain that the people who were involved in the quest will forever be changed, either for the better or worse.

I am not quite sure yet which one will be my case. My heart is in too much turmoil at this point to decide. Grief and relief are battling to grab hold of my mind, but if I had it my way, I would rather feel nothing at this moment as both my body and heart throb painfully. It is then that I make a decision.

Looking beside me, I see keen, yellow-rimmed eyes watching me carefully, their head tilting in question. "I will take you up on your offer and come with you." I tell the eagle. It squawks in approval and ruffles its feathers impatiently, eager to go. "It is for the best."

"Therith." calls a soft voice from behind me, making me look back to see the Elf prince approaching me. The look on his face betraying that he too aches. "You are leaving?" he questions. I nod solemnly. "I am, for now at least. I need to gather my thoughts." I tell him. "I see." he almost sighs as he glances at the eagle perched next to me. "At least you will not travel alone. That relieves me."

"Legolas?" I speak up, making him turn his attention back to me fully. "I am glad to have met you and thankful for all your help. I do hope we will meet again in the future." I tell him truthfully making him smile a little. "Ta nae amin saesa, arwenamin." (It was my pleasure my lady) he says, taking my hand and bowing. He places a chaste kiss upon my hand. It would have made me blush in different circumstances, but for now, I can only stare at him solemnly.

Not letting go, he stands up straight, looking me in the eye. "You will be missed until we cross paths again. Vanya sulie." (Fair winds) I smile up at him with effort, sad to leave him. I would have gladly gotten to know him better. Perhaps there will be other times….

"In the words of my people: Emrath nin soleh te foskule, sorat de choran." I say before boldly embracing him. "I do not know what that means, but the sound is pleasant." he says, returning the gesture before I pull away smiling. "It translates to: Wherever wind may blow, friends may meet. Goodbye Legolas, until we may meet again." I say, crossing my hand over my heart before turning to the eagle waiting for me.

I place myself behind its head. Looking back towards where I last saw Gandalf, I see him watching me carefully as he stops puffing on his pipe for a moment. His lips move in unheard goodbyes. We will meet again soon, I'm sure.

I see Bilbo watching as well, and I wave a goodbye to the brave hobbit. He will always hold a place in my memories as a person I was happy to meet and befriend. Perhaps I will visit the Shire once again in the future. Who knows?

Glancing back down at the elf looking up to me thoughtfully, I give a last goodbye. It is with a heavy heart that I depart, not wanting to leave my friends, but I know I can't stand being here any longer. Maybe if faith is on my side and the wind in my back, I will find the strength to carry the many years of my life and I will most certainly meet again those I have come to care about during this moving journey.

Dear readers, thank you all for following this story an thank you for all the reviews I received from you. This may seem like the end, but weep not, the story continues! Look for the sequel named 'Lady of sky'. I hope you will enjoy it just as much as you did this story.