Chapter XVII

                                    

                                          
Tauriel's pov
                          
After Thranduil left, I burst out crying. The emotions from the new revelation made me want to curl up and hide.
                          
My parents were killed in a raid when I was a younger elf. The guard was understaffed at the time, The orc raid killed many of the elves that were in the guard, and it included my parents.
                          
After that, I was left to wander the streets, along with many other elves who lost their parents. I was alone at the training grounds when I hear an elf talk behind me.
                          
—
                          
"Now Legolas, remember what I told you yesterday about holding the bow closer to you."
                          
"I remember." I hear a younger elf grumble. "But that string will smack me on the arm again."
                          
"That is a risk you must take, because the aim will be inaccurate if you don't hold the bow closer to you."
                          
The footsteps behind me stopped. Both elves weren't talking, and I even heard one gasp. I decided that I didn't have the motivation to move, instead I sat still, crying and not even moving my head. 
                          
Suddenly I feel a coat cover my back, startling me enough to lift my head. I see a young elf around my age, looking at me with concern. He had nice blond hair that most elves had, but what differentiated it was the laurel wreath on his head.
                          
"Are you okay?" I hear him ask.
                          
I nod, tear still sliding down my face. "My mom... my dad..."
                          
"Her parents must have been killed in the raid a week ago." The other elf says.
                          
The young elf looks at me. "What is your name?"
                          
"Tauriel." I say hesitantly.
                          
He nods. "My name is Legolas."
                          
I look at him, then become overwhelmed. I put my head back down, crying some more. I hear rustling from behind me.
                          
"Let's go Legolas." The elf behind me says.
                          
"We can't leave her here." Legolas says, nudging my shoulder. "Do you want to come to the castle with us?"
                          
I look up at him, seeing the determination in his eyes. He wanted me to come with him, and something inside me decided to trust him. I nod, trying to get up, but my body didn't allow me to stand. I fall down, landing on my hands and knees.
                          
"Here." The older elf comes over, picking me up. I decided not to fight him back, but only curl up in his arms. He then turns towards the castle.
                          
"Let's bead back." He replies. "But that means extra practicing tomorrow."
                          
Legolas nods, looking back at me. He had concern in his eyes, and it was unlike anyone else I have met since my parents died.
                          
—
                          
I look up at Legolas, who was still unconscious on the bed. His breathing was still heavy, but his skin wasn't as pale any more. 
                          
He looked like he was in pain, and the longer I watched him, the more restless he became. He started clenching his fists, then releasing them. His facial expressions even changed. 
                          
I walked over to him, seeing him hurt only made me feel worse. As if by impulse, and grab his hand. Immediately he calmed down, and I feel the tension in his hand decrease. 
                          
I gasp in shock, surprised at the reaction Legolas had. But I end up smiling. I kneel by the bed, holding onto Legolas's hand. I felt peace, and it was unlike any peace I have felt so far.