The fire blazed in the midst of the night, glowing in the darkness that covered everything around. I stared at it, watching each flame dance around in an intricate pattern. A spark would fly out every now and then, swirling through the air before its light went out.

I diverted my attention from the fire and instead looked at the circle of stones surrounding it. I had set the circle up the last time I came here. This was where Mother first showed me fire, and I always made sure to keep the fire in the same place.

I found it strange that I loved fire so much, considering what had happened...

"Greetings, soon-to-be-princess Meriel!" A voice suddenly said from behind me. Turning around, I saw Lancaeron, who was giving me the playful smile he always wore when he surprised me.

"I told you not to sneak up on me like that!" I said, playfully batting him on the arm.

His smile only grew bigger. "Now, can't I have a little fun around here?"

I laughed. "Nope! No fun for pretty elvish princelings like yourself."

He clasped his hand to his chest in mock offence. "And I thought you loved me!"

"Well, maybe I would if you didn't insist on sneaking up on me every possible chance you get!" I tried to look mad, but my smile was quite obviously showing through.

Lancaeron laughed, but then his smile was replaced with a look of seriousness. "There's something I need to tell you" he said.

"What is it?" I asked, a bit worried.

He sighed. "I have to leave"

"What? Why?" I exclaimed, my worry growing stronger.

He sighed again. "I'm afraid that I can't tell you."

"But you'll be back, right?" I asked, putting a hand on his shoulder.

He seemed to sense my nervousness, and smiled. "I will. As long as you're here, I'll have something to return to."

"Promise?" I whispered.

"Promise." He whispered back, kissing me gently on the cheek.

And then, he was gone.

My heart froze when I remembered when I had last heard similar words to what he had just told me...

*flashback*

"Ithilwen!" A voice called out from the forest.

"Rumil!" Ithilwen ran out from her place in her favorite tree.

Laughing, Rumil ran out also, grabbing one of Ithilwen's hands and twirling her around.

But Ithilwen's face abruptly grew serious. "You promise me that you'll come back."

Rumil drew himself closer to her, brushing a stray piece of hair out of her face. "You're here, which means that I will have a reason to return-A very beautiful reason, if you ask me."

Ithilwen blushed. "Promise?" She asked.

"Promise." Rumil nodded back.

***

Nearly 3 weeks had passed since the warriors had left. Ithilwen did nothing but pace in circles in her room. She rarely spoke, and she barely ate.

Suddenly, she heard a sound-The warriors were returning.

"Ithilwen!" Someone called. Thalion. He had always been a close friend to Ithilwen, and considered her a sister to him.

"Thalion! You're back!" Ithilwen cried out, embracing him. "I was going to give my first hug to Rumil, but I suppose you can have it" she laughed.

At the mention of Rumil, Thalion's face fell.

"What is it? What happened? Was Rumil injured?" Ithilwen asked, worry swirling in her eyes.

Thalion shook his head, tears starting to form in his eyes.

"He..." Ithilwen said, already knowing what had happened.

"I'm so sorry..." Thalion whispered. But Ithilwen seemed not to hear him as she let out a cry of grief. She sank to the ground, forgetting about everything else around her.

***

She didn't eat or sleep for weeks. She only sat outside and gazed at the stars. She never spoke, and an air of sadness had settled around her. There had used to be such a bright light in her eyes, but it had been extinguished.

*end of flashback*

I was a bit surprised to find a tear running down my face as I remembered. Ithilwen had never been quite the same, and I doubted that she ever would be. It was a miracle that she hadn't destroyed herself with grief yet.

I shook it off, trying to push the memories to the back of my mind. Lancaeron knew how to get himself out of any situation. Wherever he was going, he was going to be fine.

At least, that's what I kept telling myself. But for some reason, I didn't believe it.