Tauriel's POV

"My lord Legolas." I greeted my prince with a bow. He nodded and stood in front of me awaiting the news. "Are you set to leave by first light?" Legolas asked. I looked down guilty that I won't be returning home. 

"Lady Galadriel has requested me to stay." I told him. His eyes widen but he quickly calmed himself. "For what reason?" he asked. 

"To be Aria's guard. For she trusts me more than anyone. And I told her that I would stay." I told him. He looked at me in disbelief. "For how long?" 

"For a few years. Possibly until Aria dies of an old age. For her life is merely a blink of an eye for us." I told him. Legolas stared at me as always in his stoic look. Not letting any emotion to show. I internally sighed and wished he was more adventurous and curious like he was before... before I told him I felt nothing towards him except for friendship.

"Is this why you refuse to open up to Aria? Afraid you might fall in love and lose her no longer than a century?" I asked him but he just stared at the ground. "I could never fall in love with a mortal. Aria is better off with another mortal where they can grow old together." he told me. In a split moment I can see that he yearns to settle down. To start a family. Something I could never give him because my heart belongs to another. Him alone could be the bearer of my heart and no other. 

Kili.

My heart ached at the thought of him. "Heed my warning my lord. When the moment you realize your heart's true desire it might be too late." I told him. Legolas' jaw clenched and he left. 

Aria's POV

Being in such a beautiful place made me feel equally beautiful. "You settling in?" Tauriel asked me as she entered my talan. I smiled at her and nodded. "Tis a beautiful place." I told her but I then just realized what I said to her and quickly added "Not that Mirkwood isn't beautiful at all... it is beautiful." I stuttered. 

Tauriel looked amused and laughed at me. "I believe you Aria." she said as we both went to the balcony of my talan and looked over the beautiful view of Cara Galadhon. Tauriel leaned against the rails and looked at her feet. "Aria, may I ask you something?" I turned towards her and nodded. "What are your feelings towards the Woodland prince?" she was talking about Legolas. 

I opened my mouth and closed it. Yes, he is the father of my unborn child. But what do I really feel about him? He is good looking. No argue about that. But when I try to dig deeper I find absolutely nothing... then I think back to that one night. Remembered the passion and desire we both had for each other. I must have felt something. 

"I... I don't know." I spoke the truth. 

Tauriel smiled at the ground then she gazed at me. "Aria, I care for you. And if you do feel love towards Lord Legolas then you must tell me. For I fear that he will never feel the same way." Tauriel said. "I expect nothing in return if I ever do feel something..." before I could finish Tauriel interrupted with "He is leaving tomorrow at first light." 

It shouldn't bother me. 

But I feel something churning within my stomach and something burning from my chest. Tauriel noticed my silence and put an arm around my shoulders. "Lady Galadriel has requested me to stay with you and be your... guardian and friend. I said yes." she told me quickly changing the topic. 

"I am grateful Tauriel to have someone like you in my life. Thank you." I told her. 

Somehow I knew that Tauriel and I would be good friends. 

***

It was the morning that Legolas would journey back to his home. Sleep did not claim me that night, and I am afraid that it might never will. My thoughts were filled with Legolas and what he means to me. I frustratingly pushed myself off from the comfort of my bed, probably the most softest bed I've ever slept in. I then grab a robe and walked out to my balcony. 

I silently thank Lady Galadriel for giving me a talan that gave me the view of people leaving and arriving in the gates of Caras Galadhon. I saw Legolas and his guardsmen. In front of them saying farewell was the Lord and Lady, and even Tauriel. 

All of them bowed to each other and Legolas and his company turned around to leave but before Legolas could be out of my eyesight he turned around and stared directly at me. Our eyes connected and everything seemed like they're going to be all right. 

He then pulled away and left without another glance back. 

***

Days turn to weeks, and weeks turn to months. 

Tauriel stayed at my side throughout every single day. Making sure I am eating healthy and I don't stumble and fall down the stairs. I've even had dinners with the Lord and Lady which I told them I am forever grateful. Tauriel taught me the elven ways and even a bit of their language. 

My stomach's bulge is bigger than I expected. As Tauriel says I am the talk of the kingdom. I, Aria, a mortal from the town of Bree am with child with an ellon. But not just any ellon, a royal ellon. Tauriel told me she wouldn't be surprised if all of the elven kingdoms through middle earth has heard of my story. 

Tauriel talked about different elven kingdoms from Lindon to Rivendell. Told me different elven stories from King Gil-galad, King of Lindon to  Celebrimbor, Prince of the Noldor. But my most favorite story would be Beren and Luthien. 

How ironic. 

Putting that aside. Tauriel has been my most trusted friend. We share jokes and even personal stories. She told me how her heart will always belong to Kili and how tragic their love is. But even in death Tauriel loved Kili more and more each day. 

Tauriel was there when my baby kicked for the first time. It was truly a life I could never have dreamed of. It was too beautiful. Legolas was long forgotten from my thoughts for I felt loved and cared for right here. I even met a few people who lived in Caras Galadhon their whole life. I've met the March-Warden, Haldir. Who has it hard to accept me since I was mortal. Tauriel assured me that he doesn't get close to people. I've met his brothers who are very friendly towards me. They look forward to seeing me train as a warrior. 

Then it finally was the day when my baby would be born into this world. 

And I kept wondering what is Legolas doing at the moment.