Laments filled the cold, dark air, the melodies flowing like bitter rain. The trees were still and silent, looking even darker than usual. It was as if the forest itself was mourning for its prince. I hadn't seen Thranduil or Legolas for a while. The grief must have hit them as hard as it had hit me, if not more.

I brushed past a group of elves, shrugging off their words of sympathy. Tears blurred my vision as I made my way to my room. I threw myself on the bed, and let the tears that I had been holding back flow out.

I don't know how long I cried, but when I stopped, someone was gently rubbing my back. Looking up, I saw Thalion smiling sadly at me, his eyes swirling with concern.

"Sorry..." I mumbled, embarrassed that I had let him see me like this.

"Don't apologize, Meriel." He said, his eyes meeting mine. "It's more than understandable for you to be crying. Don't hold it back, it only makes it worse."

Before long, I had started crying again. Thalion held me in a tight embrace, offering me a small bit of comfort. I cried even longer than I had before, all of my emotions spilling out like a waterfall.

I finally pulled back, noticing the dark tear-stains I had left on Thalion. "Thank you" I whispered. "You didn't have to do this...Why did you come?"

"You're one of my best friends, Meriel." He answered. "I'd do anything to help you."

I smiled slightly. "Thank you."

***

I awoke the next morning to find a blanket draped over me. Thalion had left, leaving a piece of paper behind. On top of the paper, he had left a note-

This was just delivered a moment ago. I thought that you'd like to see it, so I left it here for when you woke up.

                                           -Thalion

My heart nearly stopped when I picked up the main piece of paper.

My darling Meriel,

I will probably be back when you receive this, but I felt like writing to you again.

You were wondering what Elladan and Elrohir are like? At first glance, they seem very official-and believe me, they can be. But they can be quite hilarious and mischievous at times, even a bit annoying. Like Ithilwen used to be...I told them about you. They say that they'd like to meet you sometime.

Words cannot describe how much I miss you. It's like the other half of me is missing. I honestly don't know what I would have done without you. Mirkwood would be a lot less lively, that's for sure.

Hopefully, you'll be reading this after we've spent all night in the forest. I don't want to be late and be forced to endure one of Ithilwen's lectures.

All I want you to know is that you have been the brightest star in my life.

                                             -Lancaeron

The letter was stained with fresh tears when I set it down. I felt the darkness returning once again, clouding my vision, taking over my thoughts. But this time, instead of fighting, I surrendered to it, letting it take me away.