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Chapter three

Four months had passed since Telegad found and brought Maeve to Mirkwood. Maeve was happier than she had ever been in her life. The first month she spent it mostly in bed while her leg healed. Telegad would care for her every need. He would carry her out to his garden behind the house. There he would stride under the trees and among the flowers with her in his arms. He would take her down to a nearby and secluded stream where they would sit and talk for hours. In one of those occasions, Telegad discovered that Maeve was a talented artist. She had asked him to sit still for her. She took the blank book she had asked him to bring for her and a coal piece. Over an hour later she handed him her work. Telegad was speechless. It was no elven masterpiece, but it was certainly a marvelous picture of him. She had captured every single one of his features, deep eyes, his soft smile, his strong body sitting in a relaxed posed beside the flowing river. His hair seemed to be caught in a soft breeze. The picture was so real that Telegad thought he could hear the river flowing in it and feel the breeze that made his hair flow gracefully.

Sometimes Telegad would take her down the road where other elven houses were so that Maeve could see the life of other elves, as well as getting her to be familiar with them. Every day Telegad's parents would come to his house to eat dinner with him. They had accepted Maeve merrily and treated her as one of their own.

They had been months of pure joy and happiness. Maeve had gotten used to living in an elven community. Everyone was friendly and accepted her as if she was one of their own. Maeve rarely left the house or the garden alone. It was mostly with Telegad, but at times she had gone out alone and she received the same warmth and friendship from the elves as when she was with Telegad.

One day Maeve was sitting in the garden on a patch of grass. Her eyes were on the grass blades her hands were lightly caressing.

Telegad walked up behind Maeve, but she was not aware of his presence even when he was only two feet away from her. Telegad narrowed his eyes lightly and his head tilted to the side slightly with curiosity and a bit of confusion.

"Normally you are aware of my presence without the need of me making myself known," he said, a hint of tease mockery in his voice.

Maeve turned her head up to see the smiling elf. She smiled in return.

"You took your time today," she said teasingly.

"Nay, you came out earlier today."

"I needed to think alone for a while."

"What is in your thoughts?"

Maeve's smile lessened until it disappeared completely. She turned her head away from him and closed her eyes, surprising a sigh. Her fists curled around the grass blades.

Telegad was concerned and crouched beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Maeve," he called softly. His musical voice seemed to drift in the soft breeze of the afternoon. It sounded so soothing, so hauntingly pure that it caused Maeve inner shivers. His silky finger traced softly over her cheek. Maeve opened her eyes, slightly lifted her head and offered him a soft smile.

"Can you sit?" she asked him.

Telegad nodded and sat crossed leg in front of her and waited patiently for her to speak.

Maeve took in a deep breath.

"Telegad, I cannot tell you how grateful I am to you and your family for taking me in and helping me so much without asking for anything in return. I owe you my life."

"You do not need to thank me or my family, Maeve. I was, and still am, more than glad to have helped you. But this is not what has you worried, is it?"

"No, there is something else. Telegad, I have spent the happiest months of my life here with you. I cannot stretch how much I have come to care for the people of Mirkwood, and for you. But I cannot stay here."

Telegad's eyes widened and his lips parted with a silent gasp.

"But, why not? You said you are happy here with me. Have I done something wrong? Has someone else wronged you?"

"No, no Telegad. Neither you nor anyone else has wronged me. All the contrary; everyone here has been too kind and welcoming. I could not ever ask for a better reception than the one I received from you and the elves of Mirkwood. But I need to return to my village, or whatever is left of it. I need to be with my own people, Telegad. I do not belong in the world of the immortal."

The words struck Telegad in the heart. Now he understood her motives. He was immortal, and she a mortal. While he would continue living ever-young, she would wither and fade with time. Yet he could not help the pang of pain and disappointment her felt in his heart for her words. It almost brought tears to his eyes. He looked at Maeve with pain filled eyes. Maeve could not stand the deep pain and sorrow his eyes bore and looked down, three tears escaping her eyes.

"I am sorry," she whispered, her head bent and her eyes closed. "I truly am sorry. I care for you Telegad, more than I can say, but this is how things must be."

She did not hear when Telegad moved from where he was sitting and was slightly surprised when she felt him embrace her tightly. She wrapped her arms around him in response.

"Are you sure of this?" he asked in an undertone.

"I am," she whispered in the same way as he.

His arms tightened the hold around her, pressing her to him further. For a while they stayed like this in silence. After a long while, Telegad released Maeve from the embrace.

"When do you wish to leave?" he asked her.

"Tomorrow," she answered simply.

"The tomorrow morning we depart. Come, my parents will be here for dinner soon."

Telegad stood up and offered Maeve a hand. Together they returned to the house in bitter silence.

That bight Maeve was packing her belongings. In truth she did not have anything that belonged to her except the marred dress she had arrived with, but Silima and Carandol, Telegad's parents, had gifted her with new clothing and personal items before even Telegad had the chance to do it himself.

There was a knock on the door and Maeve called for the person to come in. The door opened to reveal Silima. Her long, golden hair was completely braided and still it fell past her hips. Her green eyes stared at Maeve with sorrow.

"My son tells me you are leaving tomorrow," she said in a melodious but powerful voice.

Maeve bowed her head.

"I am sorry, but it must be this way. I am thankful to him and you for having cared for me, but it is my time to leave."

When Maeve lifted her eyes, she found Silima standing two feet from her. Maeve looked into the eyes of the beautiful lady before her. She could not tell what was in them.

Silima moved to sit on the edge of Maeve's bed. She reached for the book that was on her nightstand.

"May I?"

Maeve nodded and sat beside her. Silima opened the book and flipped through the pages. All of them had pictures that Maeve had drawn, mainly of Telegad.

"He showed me the one you first made of him that day beside the stream. He said he asked for you to give it to him. I know he once drew a picture of you as well, but he intends to keep it," she smiled and laughed lightly, looking at a picture of Telegad that Maeve had drawn. "He used to go out alone into the forest for days, sometimes weeks. When I asked him for the reason of this, he said he did not know himself, and when he would return and I asked him if he had found what he was looking for, he would simply smile and shake his head 'no'," She stopped flipping over the pictures and closed the book. "When you came here, Telegad stopped leaving for the woods all at once. I came to wonder if he…"

Maeve was at a lost as to where this conversation was heading. Silima placed the book back on the nightstand and stood up. She walked to the door but stopped beneath the doorframe. She turned and looked at Maeve, a sad smile on her face.

"You will always be welcomed and accepted in this family, Maeve."

With that she left and closed the door behind her.

Maeve was a little stunned by Silima's implication and her acceptance, and even if it meant the world to her, it did not matter now. Maeve sighed and got into her nightgown. Just as she was about to blow out the candle, she heard soft rustling of paper. She looked at the door and saw a piece of paper being slipped from under the door. She quickly went over and picked it up.

"Oh," she breathed and brought a hand to her lips. It was the most beautiful picture she had ever seen. It was a picture of herself standing in a garden, her face was filled with happiness and love and she was staring into the distance as if she could see something beyond her. In the background of the picture was a larger drawing of Telegad drawn with lighter color than the image of herself. He was smiling and also staring into the distance.

Maeve felt her heart would break that instance. She swallowed hard and covered her mouth to muffle the soft sobs that were now escaping from her mouth. She walked back to her bed and sat at the edge, still looking at the beautiful drawing. She understood the meaning of it; even if they were far apart, they would always be in each other's mind and heart. Maeve carefully placed the picture in her book and laid herself on the bed, muffling her sobs in her pillow.

The next morning Telegad's parents came to see them off. Everything had been packed and placed on Telegad's horse. They would travel lightly to avoid burdening the horse. When they were ready, Maeve went to Telegad's parents to say her last farewells.

"Thank you again for everything you did for me. I can only wish to repay you."

"Nonsense," replied Carandol, Telegad's father who had light blond hair and blue eyes. "It was all in good heart. We wish you the best, Maeve."

"Thank you, sir."

Silima moved in and embraced Maeve.

"Farewell Maeve."

Maeve moved back and was about to leave, but was surprised when Carandol moved in to embrace her as well.

"You will always be welcomed here, Maeve. Remember that," he whispered to her so silently that Maeve almost did not catch it.

She was released and took a step back, hiding well her surprise. She smiled at the couple one last time before turning and going over to where Telegad was. They mounted together and began their journey. It would be a four day trip, yet at the pace that Telegad was going it would surely be extended to five days.

They were traveling silently. Maeve had a light hold around Telegad's midriff. Sometime after they had departed, Telegad began a conversation, trying to lighten the mood.

"What will you do once you arrive?"

Maeve was slightly startled out of her thoughts by Telegad's voice. It took her a few seconds to reply.

"I do not know. I used to live with my parents but they are dead now. I suppose I will have to find my own abode for now."

"Did they had plans for you?"

"Well like any other parents they wanted me to get married."

"Did they ever betrothed you to anyone?"

"No, they knew I would not take a man if it was not by my choice."

Maeve saw Telegad smile a little too pleased and she grinned behind him.

"I pity you now," said Telegad, mischief clear in his voice.

"Why is that?" she asked, confused.

"You will no longer have your personal elf like horse to carry you around anymore. How will you survive now?"

Telegad looked over his shoulder with a playful smile. Maeve could not help to laugh lightly.

The rest of the day passed with short, random conversations and long periods of silence, yet the mood was lighter for some time, but in the evening there was once again somber mood among the two young ones.

The days passed this way. The two would do their best to keep the air around them light and happy, but it was hard. Always in at the end of day they were both beaten by the sorrow of their parting, yet every morning they would do their best to help each other avoid sorrowful thoughts. Each night Telegad would find an elven bunker and there the three of them, including the horse, would rest for the night.

On the fourth night, the night before they would arrive at Maeve's village, Telegad found an elven bunker prepared to rest for the night. Telegad made a very small fire since winter was very close and the air was chilly. Maeve took out her blanket and wrapped herself in it before curling in a corner with her back facing Telegad. She was half in dreams when she felt a strong arm slide around her and the warmth of a body shadowed the closeness of a body almost touching hers.

"Telegad?" she whispered.

"Please, just for tonight," he whispered a plea.

Maeve was still for a moment, then sighed. It took a great deal of strength of her to do what she was about to do. Maeve pulled away from Telegad. Telegad's eyes shone with pain but he did not hold her back nor complain. He was then surprised when Maeve rolled on her side to face him and pressed herself against his body, wrapping her arms around his waist. Telegad smiled, filled with joy and sorrow at the same time. He pressed Maeve tightly against himself and wrapped his arms around her. Maeve felt a thick tear fall on her neck, but it was the only tear she felt from him that night. She wanted to take back her words, she wanted to return with him. God she wanted to stop his pain! She wished she could be immortal for him, but things were not like that, and she could not change her fate no matter how much she desired it. The couple slept in the sacred position throughout the entire night. In the morning it took a great deal of will power for them to let go of each other and continue on their way.

It was midday when they began to see light filtering through the trees more strongly than it had before and they knew they were about to leave the woods. Finally they broke out of the trees and into the Wold, close to Carrock. They rode for a few minutes until they reached where the village had stood several months ago. Maeve gasped when she saw how much of it was gone. Most of the debris and wreckage from the incident was gone, but there were still spots on the floor where houses had been burned down that had the scars of the fire that had brought them down, serving as shadows of the memory of that dreadful day. Some houses were still under construction, others that had been lucky enough to survive with minor damage were being fixed. It came to Maeve that the rebuilding of the village had started not long ago, probably because many had been healing during that time like she had.

They rode forth into the circle of houses. Everyone started at the comers with curiosity.

"Maeve?!" called out a surprised male voice.

Maeve turned her head to see a man in his early forties walking hastily towards her.

"Calan?" she replied with surprise.

Telegad helped Maeve off the horse and she made her way to embrace the man.

"Oh child, I thought you were dead! What happened to you?"

Maeve pulled away from the embrace and turned to look at Telegad who had caught up with her.

"Telegad, this is my uncle Calan. Calan, this is Telegad. He found me when I was wounded in the woods and has cared for me all this time."

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart, master Telegad."

"It was my pleasure. There is no need for formalities."

"Thank you."

"What happened after the attack?" Maeve asked.

"More than half of the village was slain in that attack. The rest scattered and for a while everyone stayed where they found shelter while they healed their wounded. Less than a month ago Belegan sent his men to gather what was left of the people from the village so we could restore it," Calan stopped for a moment and looked at Maeve. "Your mother, did she escape with you?"

"I am afraid not," she said with sorrow. "We were running together but she was slain. I was wounded but made it out alive. My life I owe it mostly to Telegad."

"How can I ever repay you for helping the daughter of my sister?"

"There is no need of any payment. The deed was done by heart," Telegad replied with honesty.

"Surely there is some way I can repay you for my niece's life?"

"Perhaps you can tell me what you think her future will be, now that she will continue to live in the village."

"Ah, her future," he said, thoughtfully. "I have no money to send her to live in Edoras. That might have been the best for her. Right now her best chance is for her to marry a man who can keep her. For now, I shall act as her guardian."

It took effort for Telegad not to narrow his eyes and keep a calm tone.

"But she will not be forced to marry someone who she does not love, right?"

"Of course not. Her parent always made it clear that it will be her choice. I just hope she can find someone soon whom she finds worthy of her love. It will be for the better."

Telegad nodded.

"If you allow me, I shall stay here and help rebuild the village."

"It would be an honor to have your help. We need as many strong hands as we can get."

Maeve wanted to tell Telegad that he did not need to stay, but she kept quiet. On one hand she wanted to have him close, but on the other she felt that delaying their separation would make it all the more harder in the end.

"Maeve," said Calan. "I could use your help with the making of the roofs. The women are putting together wood to make the roofs for the houses. If you could help them it would make the task easier."

"Of course, uncle."

Maeve gave Telegad one last look before heading to where the women were working. Telegad followed Calan and began helping with the construction of the houses and stables. That night everyone in the village gathered around a fire and dinner was served. Some men had managed to hunt and there was enough meet to feed everyone.

Maeve sat beside Telegad and offered him a plate with fruits that she had gathered herself.

"Why did you stay?" she asked in a whisper.

"I want to make sure I leave you in the best conditions possible. The village is yet unprepared to house almost anyone. I want to make sure you have a roof over your head before I go."

"You didn't have to, you know? My uncle would have managed, and even if he had not, I would have managed on my own just fine."

"I know, but I prefer to see you through."

Maeve sighed. "Telegad, you know that you will have to leave eventually. Extending your time will only make it harder."

"I already find it almost impossible to leave your side. Waiting a little longer will not make a difference."

Maeve could hear the sadness in his voice so clearly that she had to keep from talking any longer, otherwise her voice might break.

"Telegad," called Calan. "A group of elves came to Carrock not long after the attack. They said someone learned of it and sent help. Do you know who it was?"

"Maeve told me of the attack and I spoke to King Thranduil. He sent his elves to offer help."

"Could you send my gratitude and that of the village to him when you return? It was the elves who cleared out the orcs after they had settled in these parts. If it were not for them we would not be here rebuilding our village."

"I shall make sure to do as you ask."

That night, and for several nights more, Telegad and Maeve slept under the stars along with most of the villagers. The houses were not yet ready to be used, so people had to sleep outside for some time.

On the third week since Telegad and Maeve's arrival, most of the houses were complete and Maeve had a house of her own. Telegad had helped make it for her so that she did not need to depend on her uncle or anyone else.

It was midmorning at the end of the third week after Maeve's arrival at Carrock. Telegad, Maeve and Calan were at the edge of the forest.

"I cannot thank you enough, Telegad. First you saved my niece's life and now you helped rebuild our village. Your friendship will always be remembered in Carrock."

"I am glad to have been of help. I would do it once more if needed."

"I am sad you have to depart, but know that you are welcomed here any time you wish."

"Thank you. I shall remember that."

Telegad looked at Maeve. His keen eyes could see how her body was struggling to avoid shaking with emotion. The two of them looked at each other but neither seemed to be able to say anything. Calon saw the exchange of the two young ones and understood. He had always suspected the nature of the feelings the two shared but was never sure, but now he was.

"I shall give you two privacy to speak," and with that he turned and walked a few meters away.

Maeve looked at Telegad and parted her lips as if to speak, but a shaky breath was the only sound she was able to get out and she looked down.

"Maeve," said Telegad silently. "Maeve, let me stay."

"You cannot and you know it Telegad. You know why."

"I do not ask you to marry me, if that is what you do not want. I understand that you are a mortal and I am not, but I prefer to spend whatever time you have left at your side, than to just turn away and never see you again. I cannot live while knowing that you still live and I am not beside you. Please Maeve, allow me to walk beside you while you still walk this Earth. I have found what I was looking for and I do not wish to lose it."

Maeve looked at Telegad, stunned. She remembered the time he told her that he had been looking for something. Then she remembered when his mother had spoken to her about the same thing "When you came here, Telegad stopped leaving for the woods all at once. I came to wonder if he…" Silima's word echoed in her head. "You will always be welcomed and accepted in this family, Maeve."

"Will you let me stay?" he asked, pleadingly.

Maeve drew a shaky breath.

"And what about me? Do you think I will be able to live by your side and be happy to see you every day but not be able to act upon the feelings I have for you? I have not even been able to tell you how I feel because I know that it will only hurt us more! And what about you? You will hurt yourself by being so close to me as well. You must let me go Telegad, for your own sake. You must find someone of your own kind to be your wife; someone who will not leave you in a blink of an eye, for that is what my lifespan is to you. Go home, Telegad. I do not want to see you hurt, please."

Telegad's eyes were shining with unshed tears. He took a deep breath and held it in for a moment.

"Alright, if that is what you wish. I shall never forget you, Maeve."

"You must try," she said as her tears spilled freely.

Telegad walked to her and embraced her tightly and for a while they stayed like that. It was Maeve who finally loosened her hold and pulled away.

"Goodbye Telegad."

"Goodbye Maeve."

Telegad mounted his horse and stared at Maeve for another while as if trying to take in every single detail of her face to make a mental picture of her. Calan came forth and stood beside Maeve. He looked at Telegad and nodded sadly. Telegad nodded back and turned his horse and slowly made his way into the woods.

What did you think? I would like to know J There is one last chapter to close this story so please stick around. Have a nice weekend!