Declaimer: I have made no profit and any recognizable character or reference is not mine.


The great beast rose up and padded leisurely to stand in front of the prince. He dwarfed Legolas, his kingly stature and mannerisms gave away his status; he was no mere animal. Legolas could feel the power emanating from him, his gaze was caught in the kings deep eyes; they spoke of such age that made the prince feel but a child. Legolas knew, then, that he was dealing with a God, though, which one he was not sure. He was compelled to bow, but the same power that kept him from panicking upon seeing his beloved conversing with a giant warg, stopped him. His fingers itched for the reassuring weight of his bow. A voice, not unkind, but strong with a hint of a growl, entered his mind,

"Heart of my heart, do not fear, for not I, nor my brother, will harm you. Know this, you who holds my heart in his hands; We are not blind to your struggle. There is much you do not know. Souls are fickle things, easily damaged; pairing them is not easy or taken lightly, like the wine your kind is so fond of, they must age and deepen with trail and turmoil. Once the soul meets it's other half they must be similar in taste, as it were, to make the connection needed to bond and become one. The first born are just that, souls in their first earthly vessel, a prime way to age a soul, in my opinion. Mortals, on the other hand, are usually but no always, souls that have aged but are not to taste. Extra trial and turmoil is needed to quicken the process. This may be over many lifetimes but such a small amount of time is mortal life. It is rare, indeed, for a soul to meet its other half when one is in its first vessel and the other in its second and for them to be greatly aged the same."

The God paused, he seemed to be pondering or perhaps conversing with another. The prince shifted uneasily, eager for more information and hope. Instead, He glanced back, meeting her eyes and said in mind speech both could hear, "We have trifled too long and must go back to our duties. The day must not drag on. The winter solstice is approaching, as such, I will not be able to visit with you, dear heart, but know that my Sun brother will be less burdened with duty and will be quick at hand. We have until the spring solstice to settle this. Take heart, young ones, for you are not forgotten."

He stepped away and approached the great oak that sat idly and slipped into its shadow as easily as water. As the shadow was settling one last thought drifted to their minds, "Mind what I have told you, dear one." The shadow settled and with a sudden pop the heavy magic that surrounded them was lifted.

Staggering a bit, he approached her and sat heavily on the ground. She scooted closer and leaned into him, a bit unsteady herself.