This chapter is for Ichi who literally sent me a 'Please post!' review about 20 minutes ago!

I've been so busy with work the past week it's been hard to get this prepared! But finally, here's chapter 7. Big thanks to all my reviewers and M-i-A who is the best editor ever (and for the record, she edits after I post, so if you're reading this and find my usual myriad of errors, it's only because she hasn't looked at it yet! If it's clean, rest assured that Moringotho-in-Angamando has been through it with a fine tooth comb!)

A special thanks to Lordienne, Ichi (as per above!), Araloth the Random, & Sara Pettersson for your input & support :)

I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it for you! And remember to leave me a review. I appreciate your feedback!

Aredhel awoke to the soft hiss of a log bursting its sap into the fire. The tent was warm and she propped herself up on her elbows and looked across to Eol, who sat quietly, carving a horse out of wood.

Beside her, Callon was asleep, his chest moving up and down softly and evenly. She rose to kneel over him. Even in the firelight she could see his colour was much improved.

"He awoke an hour ago."

Her focus jumped to Eol. "Did he speak?"

Eol nodded. "He took some broth and cursed the deer he had been pursuing."

She smiled. "That sounds encouraging, but I can't believe I slept through it."

"I can. If it hadn't been for your snores, I would have presumed you were dead."

"I do not…" She looked up, her mouth pursed in an indignant moue. "Noldorin princesses never snore."

"Is that so?" Amused silver eyes pretended to study the small wooden horse. "Because the way this tent was shaking an hour ago, I'd have thought it was a mini-earthquake."

Her mouth dropped open in offended shock. She was about to raise her voice when she saw his shoulders shaking with laughter, and she rolled her eyes instead, waiting with exaggerated patience as his laughing subsided. He finally looked up at her, his mouth stretched wide in an open grin.

Her breath hitched. By the Valar, he was beautiful when he laughed like that. It was uncanny how he could be so reserved then suddenly let go and embrace a moment with such abandonment. Her breath quickened as she stared at him.

"I'm sorry, Aredhel," he said, a warm smile in his eyes and mouth.

She shook her head with small smile of her own. "Don't be. I like to see you like this. It's so… unexpected."

His eyebrows quickly raised, and he chuckled, setting the horse figurine aside.

"No, I don't suppose it's my norm, but I am relieved about Callon. You did well tonight, Aredhel. What you said today…yesterday…in the garden about your experience. Well, you were right and I have done you a disservice. I did treat you as a child and I forgot how accomplished you really are."

"You do know, Eol, that I might be older than you?"

He smirked. "Yes, I had considered that, but not so. I was born before your people returned to Valinor and you were born in Valinor. We are living proof that it is age that determines wisdom." He flashed her a playful grin.

She rolled her eyes, but couldn't help but enjoy Eol's sustained good humour. In the days proceeding the Solstice celebration, she had noted Eol's increased openness. He was less guarded and taciturn and, looking at him now, she knew that she could easily fall in love with him.

But of course, yesterday had changed all that.

She sat watching him, his black hair held back in a tight braid and the firelight reflecting in his strange silver eyes that still shone with the echo of his laughter. "You really are relieved about Callon, aren't you?" she said.

"I really am."

She bit her lip, debating whether to explain her departure to him, wondering if he'd appreciate her motive.

"Eol, I understand why you said what you did in the garden. I am ashamed of my actions. It is I who have done you the disservice. I treated you like some courtier, a mere dalliance, and I left you because I couldn't bear to face you."

He stared at her. "I know that."

"You do?"

"Of course."

"Then why didn't you let me go?"

He sighed and looked deeply into the fire. "I know you're more than capable of traveling alone, but even as the weather breaks, it is treacherous to travel north. If you mean to leave, I won't stop you, but it would be safer for you to travel west through the forest, and up past Menegroth through the centre of Doriath."

Aredhel leaned forward. "When I first left Gondolin, my hosts and I travelled south and asked admittance to Doriath. Your King would not allow it then, what makes you think he would allow it now?"

"Yesterday I mentioned that each spring my foster father sends a company east to bring supplies and collect the weapons and armor I've forged. They are honourable men and I thought you could travel west with them to the palace.

"I will provide you with a note. When Thingol sees you are with his own host, but otherwise alone, and when he learns where you have wintered, I am sure he will receive you with honour and arrange an escort to the northern march."

A thrill of excitement ran through her. Menegroth. Long had she heard it spoken as a place of strange beauty and mystery. Her eyes flicked up to meet Eol's. "And you, Eol? Will you come?"

He looked down and poked at the fire. Aredhel noted a hint of sadness around his mouth, but also determination. "On your departure," he said, "I shall journey to the mines of Belegost and spend some time with the dwarves. There are some techniques that intrigued me last time I was there that I wish to perfect. It will take a few years, maybe more."

"But what about Glineth and Callon?"

"They will be fine. They are used to it, and I'm sure they will appreciate not having to worry about their moody lord every day. Perhaps I will return to a larger household." He threw a small smile towards where Callon lay sleeping.

"I think they will miss you. They both adore you so. There's something about you, Eol, that inspires loyalty. I can understand why your foster father is so fond of you. I, who have travelled to most of the elven realms of Middle Earth, have never met anyone like you."

He smiled wryly and moved one of the logs in the fire pit to let the flames breathe. "And do I inspire your loyalty, Aredhel Ar-Feiniel?"

"Till the end of my days."

His eyes dipped down and she saw the gleam of pleasure in them.

"Rest, Princess. You have proven yourself a worthy partner today and earned your sleep. Our patient rests easy, thanks to you, and I will watch over you both."

Aredhel thought her chest would burst, and turned her head so he wouldn't see her emotion. But when she felt brave enough to sneak a glance, she found he was watching her with a curious look on his face.

"Why do you stare at me like that?" she said with a small smile. His face brightened as he picked up on the reference to their first night together.

"Does it bother you?" he asked, his eyes sparkling.

This time she shook her head and answered honestly. "Not at all, Master Eol. It gives me peace."

He laughed quietly, then picked up the horse and began to carve, glancing up at her now and again.

Aredhel awoke before Eol and Callon. She quietly rose to check Callon's breathing and palour. He was recovering quickly. She softly felt the pulse in his neck, and her mouth turned up in an amused smile when he sleepily turned his cheek towards her, no doubt thinking she was Glineth asleep beside him.

Next, she looked towards Eol, who lay sprawled on his back on top of the furs, his black hair fanned out around him.

She had seen him asleep only one time before: When she awoke from her near freezing. But on that occasion, she was hardly in a state to appreciate the many fine qualities of a 6'8, broad shouldered, slender hipped, mature ellon sleeping but four feet away from her.

One arm was thrown above his head and his tunic had ridden up, exposing his bottom ribs and a fine trail of dark hair that led down his navel and thickened as it met the lacings of his leggings. Her eyes surveyed the dip between his hip bone and, like a magnet, her eyes were drawn to his –

"Do you like what you see?"

Aredhel gasped in guilty surprise and jumped up, her head brushing against the tent's low ceiling. "I was….I…tea. I was going to make tea…I…would you like some?"

He said nothing, but his lips tilted up on one side and he raised himself on his elbows to look at her.

"Good, I'll go and get…ummm…water. For the tea. Water." She rushed out of the tent into the cold morning air. She had walked for a full minute when she realized she had neither a fur to keep herself warm nor a bowl to collect snow for water.

She frowned. If she kept up like this, she would never be able to leave him.

She wandered back to where Eol had tied the horses. The brown mare snickered in greeting and she leaned over and pet the horse's warm nose. "You're a pretty girl, aren't you?" she said softly, and the mare looked at her through long brown lashes.

Aredhel sighed. Why was she so attracted to him? She had enjoyed many a dalliance at court, but the visceral reaction she felt when confronted with Eol's body was startling.

It was enough to hang on his words, to wait for the sound of his boots as he made his way up to the house each night. It was more than enough that her own moods couldn't help but rise and fall with Eol's moods, but the physical want she felt throughout her body each time she looked at him was another thing all together.

She rubbed her face against the mare's soft neck, taking temporary refuge in the horse's warmth and comforting animal smell.

When she returned to the tent a few minutes later, Callon was sitting up and chatting softly with Eol, who was making tea with water he must have gotten on his own. Aredhel ignored Eol and directed her attention entirely to Callon, whose face broke into a wide smile at her appearance.

"How does it feel?"

He grimaced. "It's painful, my lady, but I'll bide. When can we return? Glineth will be beside herself."

Aredhel frowned. He was right, poor Glineth probably hadn't gotten a wink of sleep the night before. She looked over to Eol.

"I thought that you could ride ahead of us, Aredhel. Let Glineth know to expect us and help her ready their cottage."

It occurred to Aredhel that she had never been in their cottage and wondered if Eol was there often. A month ago she would have doubted it, but now, having seen the unexpected depth of his affection for both of the young elves, she wasn't so sure.

"Take the mare. Callon will ride with me." Seeing her hesitation, Eol continued. "It's not far and my horse can take the weight of both of us."

She nodded. "Be careful not to move him. Callon, you need to keep your foot elevated, but obviously that'll be impossible while you ride, which means it's going to hurt and possibly swell."

She opened one of the packs and pulled out a small pouch that she held out to Eol. "This is red willow bark. Make a tea with it for Callon before you depart and more for the trip. He will need it until he can get the foot elevated again."

Eol took the package. "This will ease the pain?"

She nodded, and he looked at her with respect. She exchanged a few words with her patient then reluctantly left him in Eol's care. She gathered her furs and swung up on her horse to begin the short walk back to the main house.

It wasn't long before she had walked beyond the canopy of the massive trees and along the main path that led up past the garden and Eol's bothy.

The sunlight streamed weakly through tears in the grey winter clouds and the day felt warmer than it had before. As she rounded the bothy, she paused.

Up ahead, between the main house and the stables, she saw elves, horses and a big elven wagon. She hesitated and was about to turn back, but one of the elves saw her and raised his hand in greeting.

He had long black hair and her heart beat with excitement. Could it be her cousin Curufin come to fetch her?

But as she neared, she could see that these elves – there were four in total – were dressed in Sindarin clothes and three of the four had the silver blonde hair characteristic of their kind. Whomever these elves were, they were Eol's people, not her own.

Her heart continued to beat rapidly, but for an altogether different reason.

How would a party of Sindarin elves take to a Noldorin princess? She looked behind her, and quickly realized that she couldn't get away now. Her only real defence was an intimidating offense.

With a deep breath, she lifted her chin and walked towards the party, stately and noble, commanding the space around her as though she were holding court on behalf of her brother.

Her queenly demeanour did not go unnoticed, and the four ellyn stopped untying their packs and tending to their horses to greet her, their eyes round with surprise.

She stopped six feet in front of them. She held her head high and her movements were spare and elegant. She said nothing, but raised a single eyebrow.

The dark haired leader hastily stepped forward and bowed his head in a move that surprised even Aredhel, although she would not allow herself so much as a blink.

"My lady, I am Iaron, son of Taron of Menegroth. Sent by the King to deliver goods to his foster son, Lord Eol. This is Brannor, Tadion and Riven." He swept his hand from his heart to the side and offered another small bow. The other three followed suit.

She looked them over with an intentionally critical eye. They were not aggressive and they didn't seem intent on harm. She exhaled and relaxed her shoulders a fraction.

"Mae Govannen, Iaron, I am Aredhel Ar-Feiniel of Gondolin. Lord Eol is tending an injured servant but will return presently. May I offer you refreshment?"

The ellyn's mouths dropped with astonishment on hearing her name, and they studied her curiously. Iaron straightened his back and narrowed his gaze slightly.

"Hannon le, Princess Aredhel. Forgive me, for although I had heard you travelled close to our borders, I am much surprised to see you here."

"No more so than I, myself, am surprised to be here, Master Iaron."

She was debating whether or not to offer further explanation for her presence when her mind clicked. She looked around at the deep snow of the forest and canted her head in thought. "How is it that you travel here, unimpeded by the snows?"

"We travelled east through the forest. Between Menegroth and Nan Elmoth; it is an easier journey. Normally we wait until after the spring melt, but our Queen sensed something may be…amiss…with her foster son and sent us early out of concern."

Iaron's gaze flicked briefly over her travel clothes, then understanding dawned in his sharp blue eyes. "But you are correct in that one could not travel the Cold Plains north to Himlad in this weather. That would be certain death," he said.

Aredhel's mouth opened in surprise that this elven warrior had assessed her situation so deftly. She offered him a polite smile. "Come, Master Iaron, you and your companions must be tired after your journey and I have a message to deliver to Eol's housekeeper." She began to walk.

Iaron looked at his host and, with a slight shrug, followed Aredhel into the house while the others tended the horses.

"You've been here before?" she asked as they walked up the snowy path.

"Yes, my lady. Twice per year and at the King's pleasure."

Suddenly the door opened and Glineth rushed out, her eyes searching Aredhel's face for news. Aredhel looked sideways at Iaron. "If you will wait here for a moment…"

He nodded and gracefully stood back, allowing the two ellith to enter the house alone. As soon as they were inside, Glineth took Aredhel's hands and stared up into her face.

"He is alive and whole. Slightly injured, but he will mend," Aredhel answered.

Tears welled in Glineth's eyes and Aredhel pulled her over to the sofa to sit down. "We found him last night. He had slipped and broken his ankle. I set it and already it mends well. He is anxious to return to you and they will arrive soon. Eol sent me before them because he knew you'd worry."

Glineth gave a teary but grateful smile and squeezed Aredhel's hands.

"Peace, Glineth. He was lucky, and so were we. The Valar must be looking out for you." She paused to let her words sink in, then glanced towards the window. "Do you know these elves?"

Glineth looked up, her focus shifting off her concern for Callon for the moment. She nodded yes and motioned towards the kitchen area where she was putting together a meal.

Aredhel nodded. "I will help you prepare until Eol and Callon come – it won't be long. Then I will take over while you tend your husband."

Half an hour later, the four ellyn sat at the table devouring the meal that Glineth and Aredhel had prepared. Fresh bread, cured venison with root vegetables from the cold storage, salmon candied in maple syrup, winter berries, strong ale and wine.

To Aredhel's relief, there was no conversation while the warriors ate. She desperately wanted to leave the house to warn Eol, but, despite Glineth's easy acceptance of them, she didn't want to leave her alone with theses elves.

Finally, as the elves' eating slowed, they began to speak. They chatted about the journey, the weather, and traded easy insults at one another. Aredhel smiled. She had grown up with three brothers and had forgotten the carefree camaraderie of ellyn.

She dried her hands on a kitchen towel, then sat down at the table and reached for a piece of bread. Iaron smiled and poured her some wine.

"Tell me about your journey," she said.

The elves looked at each other, then one of the younger silver-haired elves began to speak.

Aredhel looked at him, trying to remember his name. Was it Riven or Tadion?

"Well Princess, you know that Lord Eol is a master forger of sword and weapons for the King, every six months we –"

"Perhaps, Princess Aredhel," Iaron interrupted, with a sharp glance at the younger elf. "You would be so kind as to share with us how YOU ended up here?" He met her eyes squarely.

She did not like his directness, but she did not look away. There was a steadiness about Iaron and the others clearly deferred to him. She sighed took a sip of the wine.

"It is no secret. I was in Himlad to see my cousin and strayed too far south. I found myself camped in Nan Elmoth. Eol was kind to offer me shelter but my horse fell lame and then the snows came."

The elves looked around in surprise.

"You have been here all that time, Princess?"

"We are elves, Master Iaron." She replied tartly. "It is hardly a long time."

"Long enough for some things," quipped one of the younger elves with a smirk.

Aradhel's cheeks flushed. Iaron pounded his large fist on the table and glared at the outspoken elf. "That is enough, Riven," he said with menace. Then he turned back to Aredhel and he exhaled with impatience. "Forgive my host. They are wearied by their long journey and have forgotten what it is to be in the presence of royalty."

He stared at each one in turn until they dropped their eyes and nodded.

"Forgive me, Princess. That was out of line," said young Riven. Aredhel nodded slightly and rose. The elves rose with her. "Royalty I may be, but not so proud that I cannot be of use in an outpost like this." She began to clear the plates.

Suddenly the door opened. The elves looked up as cold wind rushed into the room. Eol closed the door and stomped the snow off his boots.

"Master Eol!" Iaron strided over to the dark elf and held his wrist in a warrior's handshake. Eol lips turned up slightly in a reserved welcome.

"Mae Govannen Iaron. I did not expect to see you so soon." He looked past Iaron and over to the other three ellyn, offering curt nods to each.

Then he spied Glineth staring at him anxiously. He walked over and, leaning down, whispered into her ear. She flashed him a smile and then rushed out of the door.

Eol turned back to the party. Aredhel stood by the kitchen area still holding some dishes and the other elves were carrying their own plates to the counter.

Eol's eyes jumped from one to the other, taking a headcount. He frowned.

Iaron spoke up. "If the bothy is…occupied…my lord, my company will sleep in the stables."

Aredhel held her breath. It would be unthinkable for the King's elves to sleep in the stables, but if they stayed in the bothy, Eol would have to sleep in the main house. Of course he had before, but not under the watchful eyes of four warrior elves from Doriath. This was awkward…

"Master Eol," said Aredhel. "Perhaps I could stay in the bothy while the five of you sleep here in the main house. There is room, and more so if you work in the evenings Eol…"

Iaron raised his hand. "I would not presume to-"

"No, I insist. It's the only solution, and I do not need so much space to myself. Indeed I have slept on many a hard ground. The bothy will suit me fine."

Iaron looked at her with an admiring smile and Eol looked at Iaron with a scowl, but nodded. Aredhel smiled, feeing pleased with herself. It was settled. "I will gather my things," she said.

Eol looked to the ceiling then exhaled. "I will carry them for you."

Iaron looked around the great room with its warm fire and comfortable seating area, then threw an amused glance at Eol, whose own face clearly betrayed his irritation.

Iaron's smile grew in amusement and he bowed to Aredhel. "Your kindness does honour to your people."

Eol and Aredhel walked down to the bothy with a handful of belongings each. The sun was high in the sky and the day had turned mild, the earlier cloud cover raising the temperature a few degrees.

"Was that meant to be kindness? Or were you just trying to show me up in front of my guests?"

Aredhel stopped and looked at up him with an indignant frown. "It was neither, Eol. You know we can't spend the night together in the same house with no one there."

He looked at her. "But Aredhel, what is the difference?"

"What do you mean?"

"I work throughout the night. About eight feet from where you will lie sleeping. In my bed. Alone. If it was your reputation you wanted to protect, you should have let me continue rather than interrupting me with a badly strategized plan."

"What would you have suggested?"

"I would have suggested that the elves take Glineth and Callon's house. They, in turn, would move to the main house with you."

She bit her lip. "Oh."

He looked at her and shook his head. "'Oh' indeed."

They reached the bothy and Eol placed her things on the bed then knelt to rekindle the fire.

At first Aredhel sat down on the bed, but as she glanced at Eol placing kindling in the hearth, she thought better of it, and quickly moved to one of the small wooden chairs.

By the time Eol turned around, she was pretending to be deeply engrossed in the patterns engraved in the table beside her.

He stared for a few moments, then sat down opposite her and ran his hand through his hair.

"Aredhel, this is the party I told you about. They will depart within a week, perhaps less. I have known Iaron may centuries and he will protect you with his sword as quickly as I would. The journey to Menegroth takes a week or so, and with your consent, I will speak to Iaron tomorrow about your departing with them."

To her surprise, her eyes filled with tears that she quickly blinked away. "But do you think it's right to leave Callon so soon? What if his foot doesn't heal properly?"

Eol tilted his head and stared at her thoughtfully. "I think Callon will be fine. Is that your only hesitation, Aredhel?"

She slowly raised her eyes to meet his. Her heart literally ached when she looked at him. His silver eyes held a glint of hope and he met her gaze earnestly. Oh Valar, she thought to herself. Not the vulnerable look. It was too hard to resist his confounding combination of hard strength and almost youthful vulnerability. She realized she was staring and she gave him an embarrassed smile.

Eol's brows lifted in confusion, and Aredhel let out a soft laugh to see it.

"You – and your kind – have no idea how you affect us – my kind."

His brows went higher and he shook his head in confusion. "Sindar and Noldor?"

She shook her head. "No, that would be so much easier. I mean ellyn and ellith."

Eol lips parted in a rueful grin. "Indeed. No amount of wisdom can illuminate the inner workings of an elleth's brain. This I learnt at a very young age." His face grew serious. "But what are you saying Aredhel? That I affect you?"

She rolled her eyes. "Stop it, Eol. You know you do."

He suddenly leaned forward and grabbed her hands. "Then stay, Aredhel. Stay here with me."

She rose and pulled her hands back, but he rose with her and pulled her closer to him.

"I would give you freedom to go where you pleased and do what you want. I would not keep you as a caged bird, for I understand you better than that. I have watched you all these months and I know more about you than anyone in this world. Look what a great team we make, Aredhel. Seeing you with Callon like that… I would protect you with my body and my sword. Stay not just as my partner, but as my wife."

Her heart thundered and her jaw was slack with shock. She heard a buzzing in her skull as emotion overwhelmed her. But she did not smile. She did not grab his hands in joy. She backed away in confusion. "I…I…don't know what to say…"

Letting go of her hands, he closed his eyes and took a deep, slow breath. "One would think," he said quietly on exhalation. "That the answer would be very clear. A yes or no is all that's required."

She shook her head. "I can't stay here," she whispered. "I am sorry, but I can't just leave my kingdom and my people."

His eyes flashed. "But you already have! You could not have been happy there to have travelled so far alone. Even at your cousin's you felt the need to leave. Everything you have done has led you here – to me.

"You were never so stranded here that you had no options. But you didn't bother to explore them. Ask yourself: Why is that? Why do you stare at me and hang on my words? Even now, you make excuses to stay. Your face is like glass; strikingly beautiful, but very transparent, and I know that you love me."

Her heart pounded and she could feel the fire in her cheeks. She stared at him with a confusing mix of anger, shame and desire. "Why are you saying these things?"

"Because it is true. But you are so stubborn! If I don't say this now, in a few days you will leave this forest, never to return, and we will both be unhappy for the rest of our lives. I won't have that on my conscience!

"If you can honestly say that you do not love me, that my face is not the first thing you picture when waking and the last thing you see before you close your eyes at night, then I will let you go. But I cannot believe that is your will. Say it, Aredhel! Do you love me?"

She stared at him, shaking her head. Her mouth worked but no words formed in her mouth.

"Say it, Aredhel! Where is your courage?!"

"I…I…can't," she whispered.

He exhaled an angry breath then turned around and made for the door. Along the way he grabbed the porcelain ewer sitting on the nightstand and flung it at the wall. It exploded into a thousand pieces, but Eol did not stop. He slammed the door behind him and Aredhel sank to the bed and buried her head in her hands.

Within the week, the weather began to clear. Robins appeared on the tree boughs and their tracks crisscrossed large swaths of snowy clearings.

The Menegroth elves worked outside, unloading goods for Eol including, inexplicably, two silken gowns, and reloading their wagon with gleaming new weaponry, all to the happy rhythm of never ending birdsong.

Glineth left Callon only for a few hours at a time until, one day, Callon carefully made his way up the trail to the main house to visit with the party.

It had been decided that the four ellyn would bring Aredhel to King Thingol, and all agreed that Thingol would likely provide an escort to ease her travel up to the northern march.

Near the end of the week, the temperature rose and silver rivulets of melted snow flowed around the great trees and into the lower dips and dents of the forest floor, eventually meeting up with the now fully engorged stream.

But despite these hopeful harbingers of spring, Aredhel's heart was heavy. She slept late and kept to the bothy or the walled garden. She spoke little to the others and avoided Eol altogether. Instead she focused on memorizing the details of Nan Elmoth.

She wrapped herself in blankets that still smelled of Eol and wished she didn't have to leave. She even toyed with the idea of staying, but when she imagined her brother's face on learning of her bond with a Sinda, she didn't have the courage. Eol deserves someone with more conviction, she reasoned.

One day as she was leaving the garden, she overhead Iaron, on the other side of the wall, asking Eol about her.

"She is very moody, Eol. You have the patience of the Valar to have taken her in for so long. But then, I've heard that about the Noldor. They're excitable. You can't trust an elf with too much passion…"

Aredhel placed her forehead against the cold stones as she strained to hear Eol's reply.

"Do not put stock in the words of those who are ignorant. The Noldor are no different than us, and perhaps there is a reason the Princess keeps to herself."

She heard the other elf exhale through pursed lips. "I am all astonishment. This princess has changed your view, Eol."

"She has changed many things about me, Iaron."

"You care for her." It was not a question.

Aredhel lifted her head and stared at the wall as through she could see Eol's face through the stones, and she imagined that he was looking back at her. She held her breath. There was a long pause and Aredhel thought maybe the conversation was over. She heard Eol's boots crunch in the snow as he turned.

"She is a Noldo. It doesn't matter."

Tears sprang to Aredhel's eyes and she wiped them away with the back of her hand. She waited until the elves left, then made her own way up to where the three younger elves were packing the last of the weapons into the wagon.

Iaron and Eol walked out of the stables and Iaron greeted her with a smile. She looked to Eol but his face was neutral. She knew she looked miserable and forced a smile.

"Are we almost ready, Master Iaron?"

"Indeed we are, Princess. In fact, we will depart first thing on the morrow."

Her heart jumped and she must have looked dismayed for Iaron stepped forward. "Are you alright, Princess?"

She looked away quickly. "Yes, yes of course. I will check with Glineth that there is food enough for our journey."

She rushed up the path to the main house. She could feel Eol's eyes on her and she looked back. He stood still amongst the stir of activity, watching as though he were memorizing her. She tore her gaze away from his and entered the house.

There was no goodbye celebration. Aredhel claimed a headache and Eol was so taciturn that only Glineth could bear his company. The Menegroth elves were anxious to depart, anxious to leave this charged environment and relax back into their own easy camaraderie.

The next morning Aredhel joined the elves in the main courtyard. The horses had been saddled and two were attached to the wagon that held the metal goods Eol was sending back to his foster father. Glineth and Callon stood beside Eol to see them off.

The Menegroth elves waited patiently as Aredhel said her goodbyes. First to Callon, who grinned at her. "It was a pleasure, Princess. May our paths cross again, for that will be a happy day."

Aredhel smiled. "Look after your ankle, Callon. I would hate for such an injury to impede your dancing…" She smiled through teary eyes and Callon lifted her hand to his lips and offered her a surprisingly courtly bow.

Next came Glineth. Aredhel smiled at Glineth then embraced her in a tight hug. "Thank you for everything," she whispered. "I am so grateful for your friendship and I wish you the very best."

Glineth nodded, her own tears freely flowing. Callon took Glineth's hand and they stepped away as Aredhel faced Eol.

She looked up at him. He was wearing a sky blue tunic that reflected in his silver eyes, and his black hair hung loose over his shoulders. His full lips were pursed in a tight smile as he held back his emotion.

She grasped his large hands within her own.

"I am sorry to see you go," he said.

"And if I return?"

"You will not return."

"I will never forget you."

"Nor I you."

She stared up at him, and slowly his faced bloomed into a genuine smile filled with pleasure and light. "Aredhel Ar-Feiniel, I am glad you wandered into my forest."

She tried to smile but her heart was breaking and her lips trembled. She took one last look at him, then turned away and walked towards the horse. She took one step, then two, then before she knew it, she had swung up onto the saddle and tightly gripped the reins.

Courage, she said to herself. Courage. Slowly, the company departed through the large wooden doors of the courtyard. Aredhel sat high in the saddle and did not allow herself to glance back.

"You will enjoy Menegroth my lady," said Iaron over his shoulder. But when he saw the tears streaming down her cheeks, he said no more. She rode proudly with her chin raised, and as they passed through the main gates, she whispered a prayer for Eol.

I know what you're thinking: How could she leave him?! Oh Aredhel, you silly elleth. But wait, perhaps you're thinking: It's about time - bring on Menegroth! Please stop me from guessing incorrectly and leave a review telling me what you REALLY think! ;)

Thanks for reading!

-QBS