Infinity Ring (Legolas Love Story)

3. The Hard Truth

I exhaled softly at that, trying to hide my frustration. I decided to just tell him about this 'prophecy' which was not a prophecy at all since I knew these evil ring stuff from a movie. I pondered on how to explain what was a movie to them, which was too complicated so I chose to tell them about the book instead.

"It's not really a prophecy, Gandalf. I know about these things that's about to happen here because I read them from a book. The story about the Fellowship of the Ring is a tale in a book, a fiction, which is quite famous and well known in my world," I said matter of factly. At this, Lord Elrond spoke up.

"It matters not how you got this prophecy, whether it was from a book or from a vision, because this knowledge is given to you by the Valar himself," he said stubbornly, motioning to my hand, "...The Infinity ring testified to that."

My brows furrowed together in concentration as I thought about it. Despite how much I wanted to tell them that it was all wrong, I know in my heart that what they said was true.

"My dear, you are given such an important role in such perilous time, and now you have choices to make," Lord Elrond said and he put a hand on my shoulder, continuing, "Every thing you do or say from now on will have its consequences, either bad or good. The knowledge that you have– use it wisely for your advantage. And remember," he leaned down to look straight into my eyes. I swallowed when his eyes met mine, seemingly boring into my soul, "The knowledge you have now stands only in parts, and you have the responsibility to fulfill the rest of it which will affect all of our destinies and determine our fates. Remember that your knowledge of this... tale is not yet set in stone and things might change for the worse if you're not being careful."

Whoa.

His words were so eloquently spoken that it seemed like the world was coming to its doom–which was not wrong– but still. I was overwhelmed. This just got so real and the fact that I could mess these people's lives weighed me down and scared me.

Peering cautiously at the wise elf and wizard, I knew that by now they knew the fate of the Ring. A tale wouldn't make a good, likeable story worth telling if it doesn't end with the good win.

"What exactly is my role in this whole thing then? Does the prophecy from the old literature that Arwen spoke about says anything about it?"

Right then I decided solemnly I would not screw their world, no matter if this world exist or not in my world. This world was just as real for them as my world was real to me.

"To answer that, Leane, to know your role, you have to figure it out yourself. Let your heart guide you," said Lord Elrond.

Yeah, that narrows it down, Lord Elrond. Thanks.

"And as for the prophecy that spoke about your coming, it only mentioned about a warrior who has proven himself worthy through a scorch trials, come bearing the Infinity ring. His coming from the other world would balance the two ends of the scale," he paused and his gaze turned to a soft, sympathetic one towards me.

His eyes were calculating. I could see that he wasn't finished, and seemed as if he was contemplating how to carefully deliver whatever bomb I thought the prophecy about me could be saying. 

"Though he was not born in Middle Earth, yet he would spend the rest of his life here. Only then he would find his peace and rest after he succeeded to do his appointed task."

My heart sank. I stared at him blankly, my mind went overdrive as I digested the hard truth that the prophecy implied. I felt my knees grow weak and my shoulder slumped, but I stood my ground and inhaled, letting the words sink in.

"You're saying that I can't go home?" I blurted in disbelief. "There must be something, anything to be done once every ordeal about this ring is over. Right?" I glanced back and forth between Elrond and Gandalf, looking for answers.

Oh the look that they gave me; it was one of pity and somber and I didn't need any words to know what the answer was.

I felt my hope thrown down to the ground and trampled. A lump formed in my throat and my heart clenched painfully inside me. I brought my left hand to my chest in a failed attempt to ease the pain. Lord Elrond took my hand and led me to sit on a nearby chair. He offered me a sad smile, holding both of my hands in his. I couldn't do anything but stare at him.

I felt utterly lost.

"What about my family?" I begged Elrond. My sound didn't sound normal. It sounded broke and clouded with desperation, but at this point I couldn't care less about me showing too much weakness before these strong people. I was too much in distress at this crushing, hard truth.

"I'm sorry my dear, Leane. I could only imagine what a burden it is that you bear on your shoulders," said Lord Elrond softly in a comforting tone.

"I can only hope that one day, you may find your home here. And know this always," Gandalf said as he moved closer and put his wrinkled hand on my shoulder, "You will never be alone. You have friends here that will help you go through every obstacles laid before your eyes."

He smiled fondly at me and again he reminded me of my Grandpa. I gathered a little strength that was left of me and smiled at him and Lord Elrond at their sincere support, though I felt that my world was crumbling down. I sat in shock, still having a hard time accepting this. My fate.

Moments of somber silence passed until I wiped my tear stained cheek and excused myself for the day, feeling exhausted.

They bid me goodbye, and I thanked them for their time and hospitality. Before I closed the door behind me, Lord Elrond spoke to me.

"Just remember that Imladris will always be your home, if you so decide it one day. Rivendell will always welcome you."

I forced a smiled at his gracious offer and thanked him under my breath, but I knew he heard it. I looked away then closed the door behind me. The shine of the beautiful elven city suddenly felt dim, almost overcome by the despair and the helplessness that bit painfully inside my chest.