Always

Chapter 14.

“LAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU !” (no). The cry came from a spot deeper inside of him than he knew existed , and instinct drove Legolas to follow the path the bolt had taken in reverse , his sharp eyes falling on the two men standing in the distant hillside , the taller one still with his crossbow raised and pointed at the fallen girl . In a motion almost to quick to be followed , the Elf nocked an arrow in his bow , and let ; th; the arrow flew with deadly accuracy , hitting the man’s right shoulder , driving clean through his body to pin him to a tree behind him . Before the first arrow had struck , Legolas had the second nocked and shot , and this arrow , as well found it’s mark , between the eyes of the stable owner . He dropped his bow and slid down the icy slope , dropping to his knees beside Caitlin , his breath coming in deep , panicked gulps as he tenderly raised her into a semi-sitting position , cradling her in her arms . Bright blood soaked her tunic , and she struggled to keep her eyes open , her fingers gripping at the shaft all but buried in her . “Ae , Caitlin , lau , lau .”he sobbed , resting his cheek against the top of her head , the first tears he had shed since he was an elfling wetting her hair . “Don’t leave me titta er , please don’t leave me .”

Caitlin gripped at his tunic , her fingers leaving a bloody trail , and she coughed , bringup bup bloody froth . “I’m …sorry .” she managed to whisper , her eyes drifting shut . “Hold my hand again , Legolas .” She pleaded , and he took it , gripping it as tightly as he could without breaking bones , and for a fleeting moment , she gripped back . “Love … you.” She murmured .

“No , Cait , I won’t let you go .” he held to her as if his touch could stop the inevitable . “Tye mela , titta er , you can’t leave me .” . A small smile played at the corners of her lips , and once again she forced her eyes open .

“Legolas … thank you .” she whispered . “You gave me … love . I’ll never … leave .” . Her voice grew weaker with each breath she drew , and he knew , he knew he was losing her , felt her slipping away like grains of sand through his fingers . “I said I was yours … always .” .

And she was gone .

Somewhere in the distance a tree branch cracked beneath the weight of the ice , the sound sharp as a clap of thunder , and the man pinned to the tree by Legolas’ arrow cried and moaned and pleaded , but the Elven prince heard nothing but the last breath sighed from Caitlin’s lips . He clung to her , rocking her , his tears flowing unchecked . Lau , lau , lau … how could this be ? To have happiness this close , and have it dashed to the ground and trod upon …to lose the first , the only woman he could ever possibly love … this was more than he could take . After several long moments , he lay her lifeless body gently to the ground , and stood , raising to his full height and fixing his hunter’s eye upon the man struggling to free himself . Galin Callad spotted the Elf at once , and he ceased his struggle , his blood running chill in his veins . In a graceful motion , Legolas scooped his bow up and nocked an arrow ; he did so at an almost leisurely pace , giving Callad full opportunity to know what was coming . Callad began struggling anew , straining to free his bulk from the arrow , his hands gripping the blood-slick shaft , begging for mercy .

Legolas showed none .

The arrow flew with unerring accuracy , piercing the man’s throat , severing the spinal cord , and leaving his skewered body hanging twitching from the tree . Another arrow followed , and another and another , until Callad’s body looked like nothing more than a pin cushion , and Legolas’ quiver was empty . Once more , he dropped to his knees beside Caitlin’s body , his head hanging , his breath coming in great , quavering gulps . He gathered her in his arms and made his way carefully back to the cave .