Sorry it took so long to update; for the past three days, me, my mom, and my Grandparents(on my mom's side) have been in Tennessee visiting my Uncle and Aunt. Anyway, we're home now and here's the chapter!
Chapter 10: Swimming Lessons
Legolas and Lothriel woke up early the next morning and got ready and rode to a small pond on the outskirts of Ithilien. When they got there, they tied their horses to a tree and Legolas ran and jumped in the water, coming back up to the surface after a few seconds.
"Come on in, Lothriel; the water's fine!" Legolas called to Lothriel, who was still standing on the shore.
She timidly walked down to the edge of the water, wearing her swim garb. Her swim garb consisted of a short, black tank top that came down to her mid-torso and a black bikini bottom. She eased herself into the water and sat down where the water a about one or two feet deep. Legolas swam over to her.
"Come on." he said.
"I'm not sure I can do this." Lothriel said, looking at the water.
"Come on, I'll help you." Legolas said, taking her hand.
Lothriel allowed him to lead her out to deeper water. She gasped when the water closed over her chest and neared her neck.
"It's all right, just take it easy." Legolas said, "Now jump."
Lothriel jumped up and Legolas caught her in mid-motion. His hands formed perfectly around her sides where her torso met her hips.
"Kick your feet and row with your arms." Legolas said.
Lothriel did as she was told and began slowly swimming across the pond with Legolas supporting her.
"I'm doing it! I'm swimming!" she said, joyful as a little child.
When they reached the other side of the pond, Lothriel was overjoyed.
"You want to try it by yourself?" Legolas asked.
"Yes, please." Lothriel answered.
Lothriel started swimming across the pond by herself, Legolas following close behind her. She finally reached the opposite side of the pond, overjoyed.
"I did it!" she said, smiling from ear to ear.
"That was very good; you're a fast learner." Legolas said.
Lothriel and Legolas swam and had a good time for the better part of the day. At about dusk they got out of the water and sat on a hill to watch the sunset. As they watched the sun begin to set below the craggy mountains in the west, Legolas would occasionally glance over at Lothriel. Oh, God, she was beautiful! The orange glow of the sunset made her skin radiant and it shone in her eyes. He long brown locks of hair blew gently around her face in the breeze.
"What are you looking at?" Lothriel asked.
"A beautiful Elf." Legolas answered.
"Is that all you see?" Lothriel asked.
"No. I see a beautiful Elf...who has been hurt and has found the strength to move on. I see a beautiful Elf who just wants to be loved." Legolas answered gently, running his fingertips down the side of her face.
Lothriel smiled and looked down to the ground to hide her blushing. Legolas placed a hand under her chin and lifted her head up gently so he could look into her eyes. They slowly leaned closer to one another and before they knew it, their lips met. Just a whisper at first, then it grew stronger. Legolas ran his tongue inside Lothriel's mouth and gently teased her tongue. After what seemed like forever, they drew away in need of air. Lothriel licked her swollen lips. Sunshine. He tastes like sunshine and strawberries.
"You are very beautiful." Legolas whispered into her pointed ear.