Aldarion remained blank after hearing the announcement of Erumäre. His jaw had not been dislocated but his expression was very serious, his complexion had gone a little pale and his eyes were lost, revealing his condition.

He did not know what to think. On the one hand, he was angry because he felt that all his work had not served at all, but on the other hand he was also happy for her.

That Erumäre had managed to make this decision meant that Aldarion's efforts were not in vain, but her real desire was to stay with her and now that she was leaving, he could not do anything. He also remembered Cirdan's words asking him to respect her decision.

Now everything made sense and Aldarion knew that he could not say anything to her, the decision had already been very difficult for her, so that now another person comes to make her change her mind. In addition, Aldarion knew that her going to Valinor was the best for Erumäre.

What was Valinor? Valinor is the greatest utopia for living beings. It is the kingdom founded by the Valar, the G.o.ds considered in this world.

Valinor is located in another continent on the other side of the wide sea and only the valar and elves are allowed to step on it. The proof of this is in the ancestors of Aldarion when in ancient times, deceived by the Dark Lord Sauron decided to attack Valinor and nothing else to disembark his troops perished and the island of Númenor sank in the sea.

There, Erumäre could be cured of any evil that afflicts her and could live happily ever after, but Aldarion still felt like she was slipping from his fingers. He knew that this was pure selfishness, that's why, he ended up repressing his feelings, he smiled at her and started talking to her.

"T-that... that's good news, without a doubt you'll be very happy there..." - He said with a little difficulty at the time of p.r.o.nouncing the words.

Erumäre noticed that Aldarion's behavior was a little strange, but she did not give much importance, because she supposed it was normal to be a bit stunned after hearing her announcement.

"Thanks for your support and understanding. I did not know how you were going to take it when I told you." - She said in a tone that showed him that he had rea.s.sured her.

Cirdan was not the only one who had noticed Aldarion's feelings, Erumäre as well and to some extent she had also begun to feel things for him. Because of this, the decision she had made was more difficult for her.

'What's going on? Are my feelings so obvious that everyone has noticed?' - Aldarion thought after listening to her. - "I could take it badly, but that would be very selfish of me and that would make it useless to love you."

"Thank you, thank you, thank you..." - When she heard him say that Erumäre could not help it anymore and she started to cry while she thanked him without stopping.

Aldarion was thrilled to see her and he knew he had done the right thing. He approached her, embraced her and began to comfort her.

The two remained in this position for a long time even when she stopped crying. In Aldarion's arms she felt comfortable and happy, only after she was satisfied did they separate.

Once they sat in their respective chairs, the two fell silent as they looked each other in the eye. The scene lasted a few seconds until Erumäre blushed and looked away.

"Sorry, your dinner must have cooled." - She said without being able to look him in the eyes yet.

This simple phrase took Aldarion out of his thoughts. - "It's just a dinner, that you're well is more important. Also, even if dinner is cold I can still eat it."

Erumäre remained silent thinking. With the way Aldarion was treating her that night, she felt that her determination to embark was crumbling and she could not afford it, so she decided she would have to retire soon.

"When does the s.h.i.+p you're leaving set sail?" - Before she could say anything to leave, Aldarion asked.

"Your Majesty told me that the next s.h.i.+p that sails from Middle Earth to Valinor will leave the Gray Ports in two weeks, so I guess I'll leave here in a week." - She explained.

"If it is not too much to ask... could I accompany you to the Gray Ports?" - He asked with hope.

"No... please do not do it... I think it's better for both." - She said almost to the edge of tears again.

Aldarion did not have the strength to say anything else and simply nodded as he turned to his food and began to eat again.

Seeing the mood of Aldarion, Erumäre decided to say goodbye now. - "Well, I think I should say goodbye for today. It's late."

Aldarion returned to say nothing and continued chewing his food.

"Good evening ..." - she said before closing the door of the room.

After she left, Aldarion finished eating his dinner and he lay down on the bed. He just wanted to sleep after having gone through that situation. - 'All this is hard...' - He thought as he closed his eyes he fell asleep.

...

That same night, in the King's chambers, Erumäre approached to speak with Cirdan after leaving Aldarion's room.

"Why are you so distressed, my daughter?" - He asked.

"As you advised me, I've told him already."

"And? He has respected your decision?"

"Yes, you were right, he has respected the decision and he has also treated me very well..." - She said while lowering her head because of her sadness.

"So what is the problem?"

"Do you think I'm doing well? Maybe I can be with him?"

Cirdan grabbed her chin with her index and ring fingers, and lifted her face as he told her. - "I know what you feel for each other, but your destiny is one that you can not follow. Maybe if you had been healed if you could be with him, but now... you can not keep resisting the longing to go to Valinor."

The yearning of which Cirdan spoke is one that is found within all elves. Each and every one of them has in the desire to go to Valinor and only depends on them to resist the desire.

"It's better to leave now that you have not developed your feelings for each other. If you leave him in the future that will destroy him and can tarnish his destiny." - Cirdan said with concern.

Erumäre could simply agree with him and sought consolation in his embrace.