Aw you guuuyssss! Thank so much for loving this story! It is as I said a compliment to "To Live Again" and is quite literally a ghost of a memory to the characters in the main text. With that in mind it isn't going to dwell on the building of a long romance...because you call know Oropher got the girl and married her. What it is, is the main events in their relationship. Who Curuni/Lassiel was, and why she means so much to the characters in the main story. What drives Oropher and basically just a little bolstering for the story.

So please enjoy and drop me a review, and let me know if you're enjoying it! :D

Happy New Year Everyone

3. Lassiel

"Give a little time to me or burn this out, We'll play hide and seek to turn this around, All I want is the taste that your lips allow. My My, My My, Give me Love.." {Ed Sheeran - Give Me Love}

The earth was sodden and slippery under Curuni's bare feet, for she had long abandoned her silk slippers in preference of feeling the cold grass on her skin, and the feeling of mud squelch through her toes. The strong breeze whipped her drenched hair back from her ivory face as she ran, and as she ran she laughed, carelessly and breathlessly. The greenery of the woods whooshed by in a vibrant blur of colour, mixed with the ethereal mists and the last droplets of rain. Large, bushy, overgrown ferns licked and tickled the skin of her arms and neck as she brushed giddily past them. Every once in a while she would outstretch her long slender fingers and let them dust the rain from the leaves and shrubs of the nearest plants. There was nothing she loved more than this, the wild heartbeat of the forest soothed her own untameable spirit, and she felt free to be herself. Here she did not have to wear a mask of false emotions, nor did she have to remain quiet and composed, for these things were not natural to her.

"Curuni! Curuni slow down, where are you going?"

The sound of Oropher's voice made the elven maiden slow just for a second, though it was a light laugh an edge of concern laced his tone. That unnecessary worry touched Curuni's spirited heart, and she decided in that moment that she should let the young ellon catch her, for she had teased him far too long. So she stopped dead in her tracks, and spun elegantly on her mud streaked heels to face in the direction of the pursuing elf.

Just as expected Oropher gracefully streaked through the trees and shrubbery, wide eyed and breathing harshly – not of exertion of course, but out of panic. But once his silvery eyes clocked the haughty and giddy elleth, they softened considerably; he had been very concerned that she would run beyond the safe borders of their home. Only the Valar knew what cruelty and evil dwelt out there, the thought of her being caught up in the wicked wilds frightened him, and caused him a lot more grief than it should. However he pushed that worrying thought from his mind and jogged briskly towards Curuni, smiling fondly, but that smile was quite suddenly wiped from his face.

Oropher wasn't quite sure if it was a root, or just a particularly slippery patch of earth, that caused him to lose his balance and rocket forward at an alarming rate. Either way it was incredibly embarrassing, and as he felt himself collide with soft warmth of the elleth before him he wished for nothing more than the ground to open and swallow him up, to save him from his awkwardness! Curuni let out a delighted shriek, as the two of them crashed rather ridiculously to the ground, and continued to laugh hysterically at their rather intimate predicament, for she couldn't have planned it better herself if she had tried.

"Curuni…I am so sorry!" Oropher barely managed to squeak out the apology as he tried and failed to wriggle himself into an upright position. The cursed rain had made the ground one big slippery moss covered puddle, and try as he might he wasn't getting very far without further crushing the elleth beneath him. Oh the embarrassment was crippling!

"I am not," Curuni giggled ecstatically at the flustered elf as he just about managed to get his two arms below him. "Your face was a sight to behold," she tittered again when Oropher's cheeks flushed the brightest red she had ever seen; "Why are you blushing?" She bit her lip to try and suppress any further laughter, and eyed him questioningly.

"Because this is most inappropriate and I cannot apologize enough," Oropher muttered and tried to divert his gaze to anything but the incredibly alluring silvery blue orbs that seemed to sparkle mischievously, like – like she had planned this?

He paused his wriggling for a moment and furrowed his brow at the thought, had she known? Had Curuni known all along that he had stolen her away, on this wildest of nights, to make clear to her that he no longer was satisfied with just a friendship. He wanted more, so much more than just merry conversation and a mutual appreciation of the natural world. He was completely besotted with her, he spent his days trailing after her, hanging on her every word like she was the most interesting book he had ever had the pleasure of reading. He spent his nights vacantly staring at the blank walls of his too quiet home, trying to find an ounce of courage to express his feelings for her. He had debated many speeches, and painstakingly constructed in his mind what he would say to win the fair lady's affections. Still high ladies of the Queens court did not normally associate with self-made lords, especially not ones as talented as Curuni.

He had heard the whispers of the long line of Sinda Princes, all too willing to court the lady, for she was a fine trophy and the perfect match for royalty. The thought had caused him much distress; he could not abide the image of Curuni trapped behind a royal elf in a suffocating environment. She was most alive in the woods, she deserved that freedom, and he wanted to be the one to give it to her. In his mind Oropher had decided that he would place no restriction on her, he simply adored her for who she was and that wild untameable spirit was her defining trait, a spirit that should never be forced or quenched, just like the woods he loved.

"Curuni – I? Oropher found his voice was timid and much too loud in the evening air.

"Yes?" She asked in that melodic voice, as she pushed herself up onto her elbows, tilting her head to the side to gaze fondly at Oropher.

"Do you…I mean…what – are you doing?" The question came out like a panicked rasp, as Oropher rocked back and rested on his legs, the curious elleth following him, as she pushed herself upright, and held his gaze intensely. Curuni gave a little chuckle at the question, her lips twitching upwards in a slight smirk.

"I am waiting," she answered serenely, her thick eyelashes fluttering a little as her gaze drifted from Oropher's eyes to his slightly parted lips.

"F-for what?" Oropher queried his heartbeat quickening in his chest. In that moment he could have slapped himself, what a ridiculous question to ask, was it not obvious? Did he have to always sound so completely oblivious? Curuni's eye's flashed back to his and her smile widened so much so that her whole countenance changed, it seemed that she grew brighter in that moment.

"For you to kiss me?" She grinned knowingly, but the teasing look faded slightly as she waited for Oropher to respond. Suddenly she wasn't so sure of her assumption, had she been wrong? Had she just been a fanciful fool, and imagined he returned her feelings? Maybe it just seemed like Oropher was interested in her because she literally tried to dream it into reality. After all why would a warrior such as Oropher be interested in a sheltered, pampered, and indulged lady? She had not worked for every small thing she owned; she had not crafted her life with hard graft and steely determination. How could she possibly hold his attention, or even understand his sacrifices?

Just when Curuni felt utterly deflated and very ashamed of her bold actions, she felt a strong hand clasp the back of her neck and the sensation of a calloused thumb trace her cheek. Her eyes widened in shock as they flitted to Oropher's calming grey lights. Before either of them could fully consider their next actions, Oropher leaned into Curuni his lips gently touching hers. The sensation set alight a new curiosity in the pair, and it took Curuni only a moment to return the gesture. Lifting her dirt streaked hands she cupped Oropher's face in them, caring less how the mud streaked his flushed cheeks. The kiss between them deepened, growing in intensity as their earlier uncertainties left them.

When they eventually paused for breath, the pair were quite delirious both grinning delightedly at one another. Oropher was most unwilling to untangle himself from the elleth he was completely captivated with. He found a lot of pleasure in just twisting strands of her damp hair around his fingers, or watching how her eyes danced with excitement. He could not believe his fortune, she felt the same way! And now that he knew this there was not the slightest chance that he would ever let her go. The only obstacle he could see in his way was Curuni's parents, but he would worry over that in the future. After all who would stand in the way of love, and this was love, as stupid and reckless as it was. Of that Oropher was certain, and he never been so certain of the fact in his whole existence.

xXx

Curuni sat on the marble benches in the Queen's garden, but she could hardly sit still. She twisted in her seat and fidgeted with the hems of her silk skirt. Every now and again she would suppress a wide smile by chewing her lip or scrunching up her nose. She felt giddy and fluttery, her belly was filled with excitable butterflies and she had barely been able to touch her noon meal. She had picked through the bread and lipped the wine, when asked by the other ladies if she was feeling well she would just give a curt, dismissive, nod. At these times she would devoid her face of emotion, and quench the bubbling in the pit of her chest. It was difficult but she was a master at disguising her true mind, and in honesty she felt it was of no concern to anyone else why she acted so strangely. It was curiosity and idle gossip that drove them, and quite frankly she was above all that.

A peal of tinkling laughter distracted Curuni from her musings, and she peeked up from her pretence of working on embroidery. She loathed stitching, it was so…dull! But it was the best way to appear in deep thought, and it ensured other court ladies would leave her alone and not bombard her with incessant girlish questioning. They knew rightly that her improved temperament and joyful countenance was down to a particular elf, she did not have to further indulge the gossip, which was already rife among the young aristocracy of Doriath.

"Ah it is beautiful Artanis, very well done."

The whispery and almost divine voice of their beloved Queen was heard through the glittering laughter, and the name piqued Curuni's interest. She leaned forward to eye the Queen and her lady friend as they giggled happily in the midst of the garden. Curuni knew Artanis was no Sinda elleth, and her history was not divulged, the beauty of Noldorian descent was family to the King and therefore welcome in the Realm. Similarly to Curuni she had dwelt in Valinor, only much longer than she, Curuni was barely older than a youth when her family returned. So she felt a certain curiosity over the Noldo maiden, but it was a distant curiosity. Curuni was mixed blood - her father came from the Falmair and her mother Vanyarian – the grievance between the Noldor and her father's kin was no secret, but the Lady Artanis appeared to be exempt from that particularly hurt, so Curuni felt no malice towards her, only a mild indifference, still she was an inquisitive elleth and couldn't help her interest.

"Curuni? Curuni dear, would you so kind as to indulge me for a moment?" The Queen commanded in her sweetest voice, as she turned her ethereal and otherworldly gaze on the young elf.

"Yes ma'am," Curuni murmured softly and discarded her half-hearted attempt at cross stitching, to saunter over to the Queen and Lady Artanis with a little hesitation.

"Artanis, this is my beautiful Curuni," The Queen quipped proudly as she fondly cupped the young elleth's heart shaped face in her slender hands. "A hidden treasure among my ladies' you have met, yes?"

"Not formally," The strange elleth chimed but smiled inquisitively at the slightly guarded Curuni. "I have met your Adar, he is good friends with the lord Celeborn - he speaks fondly of his only daughter. It is an honour to finally meet the famed Curuni."

"The honour is mine," Curuni replied evenly and curtsied expertly; "It is always a pleasure to meet the esteemed family of his Majesty."

"Is she not a darling?" The Queen crowed and continued to smile broadly for her treasured lady. "She is a fine pupil Artanis, you would do well to seek guidance from her; such a keen and curious young one. Come now Curuni, I want you to inspect this blossoming shrub that the Lady Artanis has been artfully crafting for me…tell me does it grow well?"

Curuni sidled her gaze from the Queen to the Lady Artanis, and then to the blossoming shrub. It was a tastefully preened young plant, blooming bright white flowers, like young stars pinned to a deep green sky. It was painfully perfect, each flower a replica of the other, all glowing exactly as they should not a difference or blemish in sight. It was so typically made, no life of it's own to speak of and this brought a slight frown to the young elleth's brow.

"You do not like it Lady Curuni?" Artanis asked a little indignantly, after all she had poured all the lore and energy she had learned into this small plant. It should be a prize of elven perfection, worthy enough for the garden of Yavanna.

"No it is not that," Curuni answered quickly as she held out her fingers to gently stroke the leaves of the plant. "The shrub is perfect, not a single flaw, its sings beautifully."

"But you are displeased," the Lady Artanis frowned and cast a glance at the Queen for confirmation of her statement. Queen Melian only smiled and gestured for the elleth to heed Curuni.

"A little," Curuni replied with a sheepish look. "You see the earth is not the paint on a canvas or the clay of a sculpture, it is it's own kind of artistry. It lives and breathes; it chooses how it should express itself. You should not try and instruct it otherwise, for then you stifle it's greatness…watch if you will?"

To Melian and Artanis it appeared like Curuni had disappeared into a far off dream. It seemed she hummed a melodious tune to the young shrub, but if one listened closely they could hear the notes of a spell weaving its way through the vines and blooms of the plant. It began to grow larger, its leaves shimmering a more vibrant green. Some of the perfect little blooms exploded in size and strength and glistened all the brighter. When Curuni had finished her tune it appeared like the shrub had doubled in size and that its roots had taken deep purchase in the fresh soil where it was planted. Its waxy vines had spread out over the ground and new buds sprouted defiantly and excitedly forward. It appeared like it had always been there, like it had always been this way, wild and free, full of purpose and beauty.

"Now she sings proudly," Curuni grinned, pleased with the young plant. "You see my lady Artanis; you cannot tame a wild thing for you will stifle its true beauty. You can preen and cultivate perfection all you want, but you shall never reach it. True perfection is in creation itself, all things are happiest when they are free to be themselves."

"How very wise Curuni," Artanis answered a little in awe, and stroked the delicious green of the waxy leaves. "It seems you have an affinity with our natural world."

"So they say," Curuni answered meekly, and bowed her head respectfully.

"You see Artanis, she is a gifted beauty much like yourself," the Queen said with a twinkling in her eye and gestured to her breath-taking gardens; "Responsible for all of this."

"A formidable force no doubt," Artanis giggled and returned the slight bow for the young Curuni; "I will certainly look forward to see what great works will come from you my lady."

Curuni blushed slightly at the remark, because she did not see herself living up to such high expectations. Mostly because she did not really want that, she wanted to live peacefully but it seemed others thought differently.

"Forgive me you majesty, but I promised to meet a friend before sunset and I am already late," Artanis suddenly quipped and hastily ran a hand through her gleaming golden hair, an anxious but excitable look lighting up her features.

"Ah yes, the lord Celeborn was never fond of lateness, you better be swift best not keep him waiting," The Queen answered knowingly and to Curuni's delight the noble lady's cheeks tinged a delightful pink before she darted off mewing her apologies and fond farewells.

"Ah young love, 'tis a wonderful sight to behold," Queen Melian chuckled and cast an appraising glance for her unusually distracted lady. "Would you not agree my dear?"

"Mmhmm," Curuni answered dreamily, forgetting herself and letting a telling smile and blush fill her features.

"So…who is he?" Melian questioned and tried to suppress a chuckle at the suddenly panicked elleth's reaction. Curuni had opened her mouth to form an apology but she was swiftly cut off by the Queen's hand; "I may be a Queen, and a Maia, but I am female, I know the beginnings of love when I see it. Now it is no secret that lord Celeborn is courting the lady Artanis, he has been doing these many months, I hear he even calls her Altariel – or Galadriel as others seem to be referring to her as. I should imagine an announcement of their betrothal will soon be ringing in the ears of everyone in Doriath, and even now she tries to hide that truth from me. So my sweet Curuni, would you not indulge a fanciful fool with tales of romance?"

"There is little to indulge in," Curuni answered truthfully and diverted her gaze bashfully towards the sweeping willows in the distance. "It is no great tale like that of the Lord Celeborn and his golden maiden. My love does not sing songs for me nor does he make grand gestures, it is…not his way."

"So he is of a quiet mind, a humble spirit?" The Queen mused aloud and drifted back towards the marble benches, beckoning for Curuni to sit with her, which she did with no hesitation. It felt good to come clean about Oropher, she wanted to sing about him and tell all that would listen that he had kissed her, that he had declared his love for her but that seemed foolish, and her Adar was not persuaded by foolishness. He already thought little of her beloved, to prance about and prattle on like an elfling would only confirm to him that their love was nothing more than a fleeting whim that would pass, and Curuni would not have that!

"He is quiet yes, but not so humble," Curuni giggled her eyes misting over at the memory; "He is a fine warrior, and has earned his titles and respect, with that comes a little ego. But I imagine he is much more humble than I, and very courteous...soft even, and warm, but he would never admit that."

"A warrior you say? A lord who has earned his title," Queen Melian's eyes danced with interest. "Yes I can see how this would suit you Curuni. I would not see you with some pampered prince, no not all, you are best suited to an ellon who can match you in strength and in mind…a formidable character, who is wise enough not to tame you, but to understand you."

To this Curuni laughed merrily, she enjoyed her sometimes frivolous conversations with the Queen. She was a wonderful creature, so full of life and vitality. She was wise and strong, able to lead a nation, but she was also warm and encouraging. Sometimes she was witty and mischievous, her laughter full of the joys of spring and her mind as sharp as a pin, it was ever an honour to serve Melian and Curuni counted it among her many blessings.

"Well he sounds delightful, and I most certainly approve, but you have not divulged his identity. Come now Curuni, do not tease me, that is very unfair?" Melian tsked playfully and clasped the elleth's hands in her own.

"I do not know if you know of him your majesty," Curuni sighed and dropped her gaze; "He is Oropher, the King's commanding General, one of the King's appointed lord's. He is not of noble birth, he does not often frequent courtly circles yet he is still counted among the esteemed."

"Oropher?" Melian said the name like a question and she puzzled it for a moment, before smiling broadly. "Yes, Oropher, such a stern looking young fellow with that shock of silver hair?"

"Yes," Curuni laughed softly in recognition, "Yes that is he, though he is not all that stern, he just needs a little time to come around."

"Oh I am sure, no-one is ever what they first seem," The Queen chortled and cupped the younger elleth's face in her hand again; "I remember him Curuni, I remember his eyes; so kind and bright for one skilled in battle. He is a compassionate soul, Oropher, he cares deeply and I'd wager he does not love frivolously. He will be fiercely loyal to you dear one, very much like how he is loyal to my husband and I. A fine suitor, no better in my opinion."

"Well if only you held the same opinion as my family," Curuni replied with a light laugh but her eyes betrayed her bitter disappointment.

"They do not approve?"

"No, they do not believe he is a wise match for me," Curuni sighed and met the Queen's reassuring gaze with her own saddened look; "My parents, they fret that his position is precarious. That if he was to fall in battle I would be left with nothing more than a diminished title and broken heart. They want me to have no part in war or to be cleaved to one who is, a Prince or philosopher is who they would choose for me. Adar wishes me to find someone wise and noble…someone dull, and too much like himself. Oh I am so sorry, Majesty, I sound like a petulant child in my grumblings, I do not mean to sound so ungrateful towards my family."

"Nonsense child," Melian laughed off the embarrassment in the elleth's eyes with a dismissive wave of her hand. "Parenthood is a difficult thing Curuni, it is instinct to want to protect your child, even if that child is a mature elleth, with a sensible head on her broad and well equipped shoulders. It is your life, and only you know what truly feels right for you, your parents will come to accept your choices in time just as theirs did before them - just as you will do with your own, if you are ever blessed with such a mighty gift."

"Thank you," Curuni answered the Queen with a deep bow of her head, sometimes she truly adored the Maia, to her mind there was none as gracious as she. "It felt good to speak plainly."

"It is good to let the heart sing," Melian answered with a little bow of her own head. "Now run along, the night is young and I am sure there is a young lord who is patiently awaiting your presence."

"Oh I do not think so, I made no plans," Curuni admitted sadly, she reckoned Oropher had much more pressing things to be attending to and could not spend every night chasing her through the woods, as much as she wished he could.

"No?" The Queen gasped in mock confusion, and gestured her flower crowned head in the direction of the portion of the great gardens that were open to members of the royal court. "I could swear I seen a familiar face loitering out there."

Curuni's eyes immediately darted to the expanse of greenery that was just beyond the weeping willows, and marble pavilion that was the Queen's personal space to relax, and engage freely with her ladies. There, in between the sweeping branches of the willows and softly lit lanterns, was the very familiar silhouette of a silver haired elf. Curuni was already on her feet, and just about to run freely towards him but she stayed herself long enough to bid her Queen a fond farewell. Melian simply laughed heartily and shooed the youngster away, who was she to come between love and fate?

Curuni tried her best to keep her pace to a regal glide, instead of a flat out sprint, after all she was still in the presence of a Queen and that required restraint. She kept her spine straight and clasped her hands firmly behind her back, in her vain attempt to remind herself to be steady. Still her eyes danced in her head, and her lips worked themselves into an excitable smirk, as she rounded the stone pathways and came face to face with her Oropher, who bowed deeply for her.

"This is quite bold of you my lord Oropher," She teased and nervously twisted a strand of her sleek blonde locks around one slender finger, before artfully tucking it behind her elegantly pointed ear. "Showing up when I am serving our Queen, this is my employment my lord, you are proving to be quite the distraction."

"My apologies my lady," Oropher replied with mock serious, "But I believe you are being rather presumptions. I was merely taking a stroll in the royal gardens, and it is just happy chance that I should happen across my love."

If Oropher had not purposefully tacked on the phrase, 'my love,' at the end of his statement, Curuni could have happily teased out this witty exchange. However he had not and the young lord knew full well the consequences of his actions, for a slow, sly, smile spread across his face when Curuni blushed brightly in response. It took less than a second for the elleth he adored to pick up the hems of her silken skirt and skip the space between them. Like a well a rehearsed routine – though it was neither rehearsed nor routine – Curuni leapt into his awaiting arms and wrapped her legs helpfully around his waist, so he could easily hold her up. She clutched his face firmly in her hands and kissed him with a passionate fervour, that was probably most unbecoming of lady of her station, but she could care less. She loved being in love!

"This greeting was worth the several hours' of waiting I did," Oropher commented breathlessly when they both pulled away from the kiss, yet he was loathe to her set her down.

"Several hours?" Curuni gasped and shook her head in disbelief; "Oropher, surely you have much more important things to attend to?"

"What is more important than you?" He asked softly as he reluctantly set Curuni to her feet. To this statement the elleth could only grin delightedly, as she embraced him warmly.

"You will spoil me," She murmured happily when he returned the gesture; "But I admit that I am thrilled to see you, I missed you, as silly as that sounds."

"It is not silly," Oropher chuckled with a little shrug, "I spend my days missing you, my life is so incredibly dull without you brightening it."

"Well I tend to have that effect on people," Curuni sniggered haughtily as she curled into her beloved's side, and began their stroll through the gardens, the twilight hours making it a much more entrancing place to be - the perfect place for romance and tender exchanges.

"So they say enchantress," Oropher nodded in agreement, placing meaning on her birth name. She disliked when he teased her of her Quenyan name, so he made sure to prod her side teasingly when she scowled at him.

"Do not call me that," She snipped and wriggled away from him, so as to go and investigate the leaves of the willow branches more closely. "You know I hate it."

"It is a beautiful name, with rich meaning, you should be proud," Oropher replied diplomatically as he lopped after her and watched intently, as she swayed between the dancing leaves and vines of the weeping willows. He couldn't help the smile that lit up his features; the scene was so beautiful to his eyes. The breeze lifting her ice blonde hair and weaving it with the loose leaves, as they swept across her frame. She was just as much part of the wood as she was part of the elven world, it was in her spirit and it followed her wherever she went, or maybe she it? The answer didn't matter; he was too entranced by the splendid image before him. She was a vision, like a daughter of the trees crowned in green leaves.

"But it is not Sindarin, it is foreign," Curuni replied with irritation as she twined a branch around her forearm unconsciously; "Besides I never liked it, it never felt like me."

"How do you mean?" Oropher queried with interest, he never thought much about his name. He like it, it was fitting. He was born in the woods, his Adar was a simple carpenter before his death, and it just made sense to be named after the trees.

"It is nothing," Curuni sighed and waved her hand dismissively, before chuckling; "I am just envious of your name, I would much prefer to be named after the woods. The trees they feel more like my own kin, than my family do."

"Lassiel," Oropher heard himself mutter aloud, and he blushed slightly when Curuni's eyes snapped to his at the sound of the name on his tongue.

"What did you call me?" She asked cautiously, a slight thrill to her voice.

"Oh…um…nothing," Oropher attempted to back pedal from his daydream induced outburst, but it appeared Curuni was having none of it.

"No, you called me Lassiel," She pushed forcefully and crept up to him to peer hopefully into his eyes; "It sounds wonderful when you say it, will you not call me it again?"

Oropher eyed his beloved uncertainly, but the ethereal glow to her eyes seemed to disperse his worry and so he said it again, and watched how her whole countenance brightened and tears pricked at her eyes;

"Daughter of leaves," She repeated slowly and Oropher nodded at her translation. "Why? Why did you call me that?"

"Because you are," Was his rather simply and not so thoughtful answer; "I mean, to me, it is like you belong to the woods, to the trees, and the leaves they are ever brighter and more vibrant in your presence. They all sing for you, they dance and come alive for you, your presence brings the forests great joy…I see it every day."

"Oropher…" Curuni's voice trailed off in an emotive whisper, as she tried to hide the sob in her voice. No one had ever been so observant, or so intuitive to her nature, not even her own parents. She had been right to seek him out; her instincts had proved more than correct. He was meant for her, she was his Lassiel.

"Curuni, I did not mean to cause you offense," Oropher began, concerned that the tears glistening in her eyes were those of hurt. "It was meant as an endearment, I won't utter it again if-"

"No!" Curuni halted him by pressing her fingers to his lips; "No Oropher, I will be your Lassiel…if it pleases you?"

"If it pleases me?" Oropher balked and shook his head in exasperation, before wrapping his arms tightly around his lady and lifting he up to spin her gleefully; "Nothing would please me more…anything you want my Lassiel, I will do anything for you!"

The deliriously happy couple embraced and kissed, and playfully tousled with each other. To anyone in earshot the sound was infectious, and would fill the listener with much fondness. It was the sound of the beginning of something wonderful, something filled with unburdened love and hope. It should have brought a merry smile to anyone passing by, but not all who passed by where so comforted by the blossoming romance, least of all Taraquen.

Lord Taraquen had, at that moment, decided to surprise his only child with a brief visit on his way home from his tedious day of archiving. He had maybe hoped to escort her home, if her duties to the Queen were done for the evening. He had some very exciting news for her; the lord Galathil had expressed an interest in courtship of her. Now that was a fine match, no finer in his opinion. Certainly with one such as Galathil interested in her, his headstrong daughter would abandon her desires for that General and see some sense. But when Taraquen stumbled upon his daughter in the intimate embrace of that self-made lord he was quite sure he had never felt so disappointed, and angered in his long life! He had not come so far, and gave his child so much for her to throw it all away for a simple warrior. No, she deserved title and ruler ship and no less - that is what she had been raised to do. She would just waste all her talents away with that common elf! He would not allow it, and he would not see it come to fruition. Still there was no use causing a scene right this instant, no that certainly would not do, and he was above all that. She could have her fleeting romance if she wished, but in time he would rein her in and tame her wild spirit, for she would only regret such a bond with one lesser than she…she would realize that in time.

Uh oh...papa knows best eh? hmmm I feel a tangled song coming on...just kidding...Also a lot of this story was influenced by my love affair with Ed Sheeran's lyric compositions (that boy can write exquisitely) So the Lyrics of Give Me Love, have that sort of bittersweet/tragedy/yearning type thing going on...hence the snippet in the chapter title. Just FYI. It's a cracking song, I'd suggest taking a listen to it, if you don't already know it!

Oh yes...Artanis was the name Galadriel's father gave to her, it was Celeborn that named her Galadriel or Altariel whichever you prefer - as is sometimes a habit of elves to rename the loves of their lives. So since she isn't actually married to him yet it felt right to not call her by her most notable name. Also purists don't eat me alive...I know there is little evidence to suggest Falmari crossed back over the sea BUT there is a slight chance. Also I read some research papers that were debating that Thranduil's parentage was somehow linked to the Vanyar, because of his looks, he and Legolas are described as fair, and since most Sindar are dark haired...I decided to play with that possible theory. So maybe Oropher's wife came from Valinor and was a little bit of Vanyar and a little bit of Teleri making her kin of the Sindar and thus welcome in Doriath...especially if she and her family had nothing to do with the kinslaying...which clearly if she was Falmari...she wouldn't have. Anyway that's my loose theories...I'm not getting hung up on them. Also Galathil was Celeborn's brother...who went on to father Nimloth who wed Dior. Just for perspective as to the prestige of that match.

Anyway love and grattitude to

Rousdower, Beachchick3, Siriania, DeLacus, Ladymoonscar, Oriana5...also

Phar: Thank you and here you go :D

Guest who didn't log in: I am very pleased you approve

Guest: haha yes!

Periwinkle Pal: If I follow you correctly you believe that Thranduil's mother is the nobility over Oropher...then yes you are half right. Oropher is nobility in his own right, but Curuni is maybe more esteemed due to her abilities and personal affiliation to the Queen. It is just my theory. Also it is not that Thranduil is the nobility unlike his Father, he is just more his Mother's nature than he is Oropher's. I over anaylze things too BUT I try to keep it loose and open to interpretation in this story so as not to bog it down with to many minor details.

Guest: Oh Curuni is one of a kind that's for sure, and her parents...well they have there problems. Oropher's folks? Well his Adar is dead, and his Mother...well you'll meet her later. So pleased you enjoyed the story and I hope you continue too.

Many thanks everyone...you are all marvelous! :D