Chapter 10

The elves were relieved beyond description to be out of Erebor and now riding home. A bright sun was shining up high in the blue and cloudless sky, giving life to the awakening earth, and a light breeze was blowing in the riders' faces and through their hair, carrying the scents of new leaf, young grass and moist soil of early spring. It would not be long before the aromas of the first blossoms would enrich the air. This experience came like a breath of life to the elves, who had longed for their reunion with nature during their two-week long confinement in that mountain. It was as if nature itself rejoiced with them for having ensured the allegiance of the dwarves and were at last out of Erebor.

Mirthful talk was going on amongst the riders. Even the usually grim and reserved Tinuven was in a fine mood.

"Did you see Dain's face during the dinner last night? I doubt he even enjoyed his food and wine. I bet it tasted like ash in his mouth!" he said and laughed.

"Well, he certainly was very unhappy to relent. Forced even", Iaurvir commented, bringing his bay horse closer to the Commander's.

"But he did relent at last, which is what matters!" Tinuven chimed.

Thranduil saw this as a good opportunity to throw in a pointed comment. "I will have you know we owe to a great extent this success to the efforts of the Captain", he said sharply, and glanced over to Tauriel.

"Is that so, Captain? What did you do to promote our cause?" the Commander asked with curiosity and a raised eyebrow.

Tauriel turned to face him with confidence. "I asked for an audience with him, and he granted it to me. He listened to what I told him, and in the end, he seemed to be considering joining us. Which he finally did", she briefly narrated.

"Well done, Captain. Your inclusion in this team proved wise and useful indeed", Tinuven acknowledged.

"Thank you for approving of my decisions, Tinuven", the Elvenking remarked rather sarcastically. The officer opened his mouth to offer an apology, but the King's raised hand halted him. "Do not bother with an apology; none is required", he spoke in a forbearing tone, and Tinuven lowered his gaze, smiling softly.

"Well, it seems that both of you, Commander and Captain, have played a key role in the success of the negotiations so far. You, lord Tinuven, managed to win Prince Brand over to our side, who in turn persuaded his father to aid us; and you, my dear Tauriel, have performed the difficult task of changing King Dain's mind. Congratulations, for you have put us councilors to shame!" Meduithel said and chuckled merrily.

A round of soft laughter ensued among the elves, while Tauriel and Tinuven exchanged slightly awkward glances and tiny smiles, both of them not used to receiving praise openly.

"My wife speaks right. We might as well rest in our home now and leave all the work to you!" Iaurvir joined in his wife's spirit.

"We may all take some rest in our home, Iaurvir, for we are in dire need of it after these long and hectic days in Erebor", said Thranduil in a serious tone, glancing over his shoulder to the mountain that was now shrinking in the distance. "Dain has admittedly exhausted my patience, and I would like to take my mind off of negotiations for a couple of days before we move on to Lorien".

"Yes, my lord", the councilor agreed. "Lorien can wait for a few days… Furthermore, I do not suppose we are going to be met with much resistance there".

"Neither do I. Their allegiance should be an easy one to procure", said Thranduil in a quiet voice, and then fell silent, as his mind traveled to the personal issue with Galadriel he had to resolve.

Tauriel observed his face as he now seemed distant and lost in thought, and she wondered what might be troubling him. For although she knew of Thranduil's visit to Lothlorien a few years after Lothrin's death, she knew nothing of the feelings of resentment he harbored in his heart for the Lady of the Golden Wood because of the heart-rending answers she had given him.

"Lady Galadriel has since long wished for the evil to be completely eradicated from Dol Guldur. In a letter of hers she had expressed her sadness for the returning of the Shadow to our forest after the brief period of peace that followed Sauron's expulsion", Meduithel spoke thoughtfully.

"Have you kept correspondence with her, lady Meduithel?" Thranduil inquired.

"Yes, but not on a regular basis… We last exchanged letters around five years ago", the lady admitted. "But I would like to visit Lothlorien, if I am to be sincere. It has been so long since I was last there, and my heart yearns for the peace of the Golden Wood", she added with a sigh and dreamy eyes.

Tauriel rode her horse closer to Meduithel's, so that she might speak with her in a more private manner. "My lady, how do Lothlorien and lady Galadriel look like? For I have heard stories of their beauty, but I have never seen them with my own eyes", she said timidly.

Meduithel turned her bright grey eyes to Tauriel and smiled. "Their beauty is unmatched, child. You shall not find a fairer place or a fairer lady in all of Middle Earth", she said. "Except perhaps for Arwen Undomiel, who is Luthien Tinuviel come to life again, as they say. But the beauty of the Lady of the Wood is different, Tauriel, for it is deep and ancient, and it is born of knowledge and wisdom. Her gaze is mesmerizing, her smile entrancing, her voice a song to the ear, and her words a balm for the troubled heart".

"I long to see the lady and walk in her woods", Tauriel whispered, while her keen imagination was already forming images of the Golden Wood and Galadriel, and in her thought, she was already wandering amongst the golden trees of Lorien.

"You shall, Captain. Soon enough, you shall", said Thranduil, and she lifted her eyes to look at him. His glance was quick, and did not linger. Instead, he spurred his horse to a faster trot. "Ride on, Eldar. Let us reach our home before nightfall".

By the twilight of the day the Elvenking and his company returned to his halls. Legolas and the members of the council received them with great joy, as well as curiosity to learn how things had gone in Dale and Erebor. After giving them some brief answers, Thranduil made for his chambers, closely followed by his son.

"So, Bain and Dain will join us!" the Prince exclaimed.

"Yes, son. Their alliance is sealed", Thranduil responded rather wearily and moved to rid himself of his riding cloak and boots.

"How did you manage that? I want to know of every detail!" Legolas enthusiastically went on.

His father gave him a sharp look. "I have only just arrived, Legolas. And I would rather have you tell me how things were here during my absence", he required.

Legolas came to stand close to him. "Nothing out of the ordinary happened. Our patrols burned a few more nests and killed a few more orcs, but nothing beyond that", he assured his father.

"So, there has been no change in the pattern of our enemies' attacks, is that right?"

The Prince shook his head in negation. "No. We have encountered random bands of orcs along our southern borders, but there was nothing new about them. Everything was as it has ever been", he answered.

"Good. It pleases me greatly to hear that. It means our enemies suspect nothing of our plans…" the Elvenking murmured with a soft smile.

"It would be a surprise if they did", Legolas commented, "seeing that you have disclosed your plans to very few people, and no official war preparations have yet begun. We must seem to the enemy as we always are".

"Indeed, and that is also part of my plan. We must prepare in secret; for we must not be fooled, ion nin, by the idleness of the Shadow. Our enemy is ancient and cunning, and has eyes and ears everywhere", the Elvenking replied in a low and guarded tone, while placing his swords to their rack, his fingers lingering upon the intricate hilts. He wondered how long it would be before he would put his lethal weapons to use once more.

The Prince nodded. "I understand that. My time with the Dunedain has taught me much, and amongst the lessons I learned was to never underestimate the enemy".

Thranduil glanced at his son and offered him a small smile of pride and approval. "Good".

Legolas held his father's gaze for a few long moments, feeling his heart swell with affection and satisfaction. Then his demeanor changed into a softer and lighter one, and he took a couple of steps towards the older ellon. "Come now, ada. Tell me what happened in Dale and Erebor", he went back to his initial demand.

Thranduil chuckled under his breath, as he moved to lower his weight into a luxurious armchair. "You will not leave me in peace if I do not recount every detail to you first…"

"Well… yes", his son admitted with a playful smirk.

"Fine then. Bring me some wine and I shall tell you how we persuaded those lords to join us…"

For the next few hours Thranduil narrated their experiences in those northern kingdoms. He described their reception at Dale, not forgetting to mention Bain's love for jewelry, and then he spoke of the process of the negotiations. He told him of his plan to have Tinuven speak to Brand, and the King's eventual consent to commit his forces to their cause. Next, he told Legolas of the obstinate King of the dwarves, his continuous insults, his tendency for brawls and his stubborn, ten-days long refusal to speak with the elves. Thranduil did not fail to say that it was Tauriel's initiative, which turned the tide in the end and Dain relented. He also spoke of his encounter with Thorin Stonehelm and the white gems.

"Well, that is all now, Legolas", he said when his narration had reached the end.

"So many things happened in such a short time… I am glad that all you companions proved useful, and especially Tauriel. I am sure you feel proud of her, father", Legolas said softly.

At the mention of her name Thranduil's face grew more relaxed, and a small smile curled his lips. "Yes… I am deeply proud of her. I was a little worried about her when we embarked on this mission, for I knew not with certainty whether she would be able to find her place among the others and move with confidence. But she did, Legolas, and very successfully so. Had it not been for her bold decision to speak to Dain in private, we would be still lingering inside that cursed mountain, waiting for that insufferable dwarf to do us the favor of speaking to us!" he said, unable to hide the venom from his tone, for it vexed him greatly when he spoke of Dain.

"Thankfully, his son is different, as you said. And since Dain appointed him leader of the dwarven forces, I do not expect that he shall cause us many problems", Legolas commented.

Thranduil rose from the bed and walked to the balcony. Night had fallen, and the stars were lit in the dark sky. "Yes… I expect our cooperation during the campaign will be smooth enough. Thorin is nothing like Dain. I could not believe my ears when he offered me your mother's jewels, son", he whispered the last words in a sorrowful tone.

"I understand why you refused to take them. But it must have hurt you deeply to have them within your grasp, and freely offered to you, and to still have to say no", the Prince said softly as he came to stand beside his father.

"Indeed…" the Elvenking admitted, letting out a sigh, and then hung his head. "At the sight of them memories of your mother came too vivid in my mind, Legolas. It was a very tough choice to turn my back to her necklace, the one I would for centuries admire on her chest, the one my mother wore before her…"

His voice faded into the air, as bitter tears rose to his eyes, but he fought them back, for he did not wish to appear weak in front of his son. But Legolas understood, and gently touched his father's shoulder.

"You chose to do what was best for your people. You made a wise decision, father, and for that I admire you, and I am proud of you", he spoke with tender fervor.

The Elvenking turned his face to look at his son, deeply moved by his words. He searched the young ellon's face, and in those eyes he found the compassion and wisdom of his departed wife. It was a soothing thought to know that she would always live on through her son. "Hannon le, ion nin", he whispered in a broken voice.

He then extended his arm towards Legolas, and the latter took a step forward, enclosing himself in his father's embrace. Thranduil even dropped a kiss on the top of his son's head. "My elfling…" he murmured. "Pride of my life and joy of my heart… I missed you".

Legolas smiled and nodded, disentangling himself from his father's arms so as to look at him. "As did I". He then took a step backwards. "But I have tired you enough, ada, and you need to rest. We shall have more time for conversation, come tomorrow. And truly, how long do you plan on staying before you depart for Lothlorien?"

"Only a few days, Legolas. The sooner we are done with this quest, the better. War preparations must begin soon", he replied.

"Will the same people accompany you?" the Prince wondered.

"Why, yes. I am very pleased with their performance, and I like their company as well. I could even call them friends", Thranduil mused.

"Except for Tauriel…" Legolas said with a mischievous grin.

The Elvenking looked at him and raised a dark eyebrow. "Do not tease me, son!"

"You know I mean no disrespect. It is just nice to see you mirthful, father, that is all", he responded quietly.

Thranduil's countenance turned mellow. "I have her, and I have you. How can I not be joyous?" he asked rhetorically and placed his hand on the other elf's shoulder.

Legolas smiled. "Indeed. But I shall be going now, for it is getting late. Rest well, ada".

"I shall, ion nin. Thank you".

Tauriel was glad to be back home. For, although she had enjoyed that trip to the north and her first experience of partaking in the shaping of the fates of the world, she had missed her chamber, her bed, and the blooming royal gardens.

That is where she was now leisurely and absent-mindedly sauntering, enjoying a golden sun and the fragrant wind. The bright beams stirred the energy of her fea, and the wind whispered songs of rebirth in her ears. The soil beneath her feet was humming with the flow of life. Her senses were revived, and she felt alive and one with nature.

But this garden also held memories for her. She reached a marble bench and sat upon it. Here it was, where she had her first sentimental exchange with her King; here he had explained to her his reasons for marching to Erebor, and she had finally understood his motives. And he had told her for the first time of the white gems and their meaning; he had told her of Gundabad and his wife's tragic death. And finally, he had told her of his heart's longing to love. He had chosen – and it had seemed quite unexpected to her back then – to open up to her, to trust her.

It was here, where she first started developing feelings for Thranduil.

Tauriel's fingertips traveled upon the cool and smooth surface of the bench, and she let out a sigh. She remembered that day as if it had only been yesterday, but in truth more than six years had passed since then. Her King and she had gone through a lot; their story began long ago, with her being saved from the orcs by him, and the most recent chapter had them striving together to secure the alliance of the northern kingdoms in a march against Dol Guldur. But what more would the future bring?

Her musings were interrupted by the sound of steps nearing. She lifted her eyes, and to her surprise Tinuven was there.

"My lord Commander?"

"Greetings, Captain. I hope I am not bothering you", he started.

"No, not at all. I was just passing my time in leisure. Is there something I could assist you with?" she offered, but could not help but feel a measure of worry and apprehension in her heart, for her most recent conversations with Tinuven had not been exactly pleasant.

"Actually…" he uttered with some hesitation. "I simply wished to talk to you".

"About what?" she required a tad too curtly, and stood from the bench, ready to assume a defensive stance, if necessary.

He regarded her for a short while, observing her disposition, before answering. "About our relation, and my behavior towards you".

Surprise was now drawn all over her fine features, and she allowed herself to relax a bit, since he did not sound aggressive. But what did the Commander mean to say?

"Well, I am listening to you, lord Tinuven", she prompted him.

"I admit I have been unkind towards you, Captain. I should not have doubted your intentions; for, if my King does not doubt you, then I should not either. You have proved your worth and your purpose when you spoke to Dain", he told her, not without some nervousness in his voice.

Tauriel opened her mouth to respond, but held back for a moment, contemplating what to say. It is alright now, lord Tinuven. Or, it matters not, for I understand why you were skeptical towards me, lord Tinuven. Such possible replies crossed her mind, but she decided against them. What had Thranduil told her? That she had to start behaving like a Queen. Then she might as well do so.

"Is that an apology, lord Tinuven?" she asked him and lifted her chin slightly.

"Well, yes, I guess it is…" he stammered, somewhat taken aback by her tone.

"I shall gladly accept it then", she told him with a small smile.

Tinuven nodded his thanks, feeling a strange awkwardness taking over him, and he turned to leave. Had he, a Commander of the army, suddenly been humbled before Tauriel, who was naught but a mere Captain in the Guard, or was it just his impression?

"Lord Tinuven", she called at him, preventing his departure.

"My lady?" He turned over his shoulder to look at her.

"You may stay a while longer, if you wish. Now that we are resolved on that petty matter, I do not see why we cannot try and be friends. We are both members of the same team, anyway", she suggested with a kind smile. Oh yes, Tinuven. Let me know you better, so that I am better prepared for your comments and reactions from now on. And perhaps I can get you to like me. That would be helpful and convenient, seeing that I am your future Queen, Tauriel thought, marveling at herself for having at last accepted her role fully and acting upon it.

He stood speechless for a second, unsure of what to say. "Well, alright, Captain. I do not see why not, as I am not otherwise preoccupied at the moment", he finally acceded.

"Good!" she chimed. "Let us take a walk, shall we? These gardens have always been a favorite of mine, ever since I had been brought in the Elvenking's halls", she told him in a pleasant tone.

He turned his green eyes to her, which were only a shade darker than hers. Green or hazel eyes were quite common amongst the Silvan population, unlike the Sindar, who usually had blue or grey eyes. Tinuven was of mixed origin, but clearly his mother's Silvan traits prevailed.

"You must have been very young then, if I remember correctly", he commented, still feeling surprised by Tauriel's behavior, and all the more by her choice to refer to her childhood, which was a rather private matter.

"Yes, I was a mere child", she confirmed. "Our King saved my life and took pity upon me, for my mother had just been slain by the orcs, and my father had been killed in a battle not so very long before that. So, he took me with him and brought me here", Tauriel narrated, and sorrow fell upon her brow at the bitter remembrance of her parents' passing.

"You shall see them again on the golden shores of Valinor, one day", Tinuven told her in a voice she had not known the grim Commander possessed, for his tone now was soft and compassionate.

"Yes, one day…" she repeated after him with a sigh. "My mother was a simple elf of the Wood, a seamstress by trade. Lainel was her name. My father was Elboron, a Captain in the Guard. You knew of him, perhaps?"

"Elboron? Ah yes, I remember him. You look quite like him, in fact", he said with a gentle smile.

Tauriel returned the smile and nodded. "What about your parents, lord Commander?"

Tinuven's face resumed a thoughtful and slightly grimmer expression. "My father was Commander Arveldir… He lost his life in that battle before Erebor's gates, sixty-one years ago".

"I remember him. He was a fine ellon, and an excellent officer", Tauriel said.

"He had been a friend to King Oropher. He was a Sinda, you see. Together they left Doriath after its destruction, and finally they came and settled in these woods. He dutifully served Oropher, and mourned his death on the slopes of Orodruin. He faithfully supported his son, Thranduil, when he assumed the mantle, and remained loyal to him up till his very last breath", Tinuven narrated, and sorrow was now evident in his gaze.

"As are you… Your loyalty is beyond doubt", the Captain said softly.

Tinuven turned to look at her, and saw only honesty and good will in her eyes. Slowly, he nodded. Then he turned his gaze ahead again. "It was here in these woods that my father met my mother. You must know her, for she is the head of the healers".

"Alfirimbes?" Tauriel asked rather incredulously. "Alfirimbes is your mother?"

"Indeed she is", Tinuven said and smiled.

"She has treated me several times, when I received wounds during the patrols. She is the sweetest and gentlest elleth I have known, and a very adept healer", said Tauriel. "I knew she had a son, but I had no idea it was you", she remarked.

"Well, the truth is I am not one for the public eye. Few knew me before I was appointed Commander. I have always chosen the solitary life of the soldier, you see, not caring for the fancy festivities or public relations. I only rarely accompanied my father to official meetings, when duty called, and that happened only after I had climbed to a certain rank in the military. As for my mother…" Tinuven made a short pause and sighed. "We have been rather estranged the latter years. She never approved of my choice to join the army, for fear of losing me to an enemy's sword. Ironically, it would seem we are lost to each other anyway", he commented and smiled bitterly. "It is no surprise that a young elf like you had no idea Alfirimbes is my mother", he explained, and Tauriel nodded. She could have never imagined the sadness Tinuven's tory held, and now she felt she could understand the reason behind his often curt and rather antisocial manner a bit better. "But I also have a sister. She lives in Lorien with her husband", Tinuven added, wishing to lighten the mood of the conversation.

The Captain smiled and nodded. "Oh, that is nice. You shall have the chance to visit her very soon, then".

"Yes… I have not seen her in the recent years, and I have missed her. But I do not begrudge her her decision to move to Lothlorien. It is a much brighter and safer place than Mirkwood", the Commander said and glanced over to the treetops in the distance.

"It is true that our forest has grown very dark and gloomy, and it saddens my Silvan heart to see it so", she responded, following his gaze. "But the Golden Wood must be very different… I cannot wait to visit it", Tauriel exclaimed. "Have you been there many times, lord Tinuven?"

"Quite a few, actually. A visit to my sister is a very good excuse to escape Mirkwood for a few days, although this has not been possible lately, as I said", he admitted. But then his thoughts traveled elsewhere, and his expression became distant and sorrowful.

Tauriel observed him for a short while. "I suspect your sister is not the only reason you wish to pay frequent visits to Lorien, my lord, if it is not too bold to say", she attempted to uncover his thoughts.

He turned his eyes to her and shook his head. "You are quite perceptive, Captain".

She smiled, but spoke not, wishing not to press him further, if he was not willing to share more. But his silence did not last for long, and he spoke again.

"There is someone else I like meeting in Lorien, a guard in Haldir's company..." Tinuven said with an imperceptible sigh. "Have you heard of Haldir? He is a marchwarden and a messenger for the lady Galadriel".

"No, I have not, but I suppose I shall meet him soon enough. Well, who is that guard you like seeing?" Tauriel inquired, feeling that she was slightly pressing her luck, but she decided to take the chance, for her curiosity was picked.

"I do not even know her name, for she always follows Haldir in obedient silence. But she is tall and fair, and her eyes are bright and keen", he described her from memory and a longing awoke in his heart.

A sad smile rose on Tauriel's lips. So, the rumors were true, and the Commander did indeed pine for an elleth of Lothlorien – and a simple guard at that.

"Have you ever spoken to her?" she asked him.

"Well, no. What could I ever say to her? And she would never stay for long. I would usually meet her briefly, upon my entrance to Lorien, and then she would disappear with her company", Tinuven replied, now feeling strangely calm and relaxed in Tauriel's presence. He had started to feel he could trust her.

She gave him a side-glance. Well-trained in the art of war he may be, but in the game of love he seems to be a complete novice, Tauriel thought with sympathy, and suddenly a wicked idea came to her. "If I promise to help things between you two move forward, will you also promise not to look upon me suspiciously again, lord Tinuven?" she proposed brazenly, seeking to strike a bargain.

He stopped in his steps, surprised by her unforeseen suggestion. "Would you do that? How?" he wondered.

"Well, I am a guard, and so is she. I think I know where to begin", Tauriel replied and smiled deviously.

Tinuven could not help but let out some short laughter at this sudden turn of events. Out of the blue, an ember of hope was lit in his heart. Could it be possible that with Tauriel's help he could win the heart of the elleth he had admired from afar all these years?

"Alright then, Captain. I accept your proposition, and I promise to do as you asked", he finally told her.

Tauriel smiled brightly and came to stand opposite him. She extended her hand, and he took it. "We have an accord, Commander".

It was late evening when Thranduil left his chambers and hurriedly walked to Tauriel's. They had shared no private time since their return to Mirkwood, and he now yearned for her touch, he longed to take her in his arms and love her.

Quietly he pushed the door open and stepped inside her room. The fireplace was lit, but she was nowhere to be seen. Then his sensitive ears caught the sound of trickling water, and he inwardly smiled.

Silent as a wraith he moved to the doorway that led into the adjoining chamber, and he stayed there, hiding in the shadows. But his eyes took in the image before him, and his senses stirred at once into awareness.

For there was Tauriel in the pool, standing naked in the middle of it, bathing herself in the fragrant water. Her flaming red hair was let loose and free of any braids, wet and cascading down her back like a waterfall of fire. Her skin was white and luminous, and the droplets of water tentatively licked its every curve and dimple, running down in small streams until they became one with the water of the pool again. In her hands she held a bathing rug, and she gently scrubbed her body clean, dipping the cloth every now and then in the water.

She had her back turned to him, oblivious to his secret presence, but he kept watching her, mesmerized by the gentle caress of the water around her slim waist. If she moved or stooped a little, he could catch brief glimpses of her nether and so tempting regions. And then she dove in the water, washing her hair off, and emerged from it to face him, offering him an exquisite view of her glowing face, her supple breasts and taut abdomen. Desire was now burning hard inside him and arousal stirred in his loins, but he did not want to disrupt the enchanting vision he was beholding, and he remained hidden in the shadows, watching her.

Tauriel dipped the cloth in the water once again, and as she ran it along her arm, she said, "I know you are there…", and a smile curled her lips. "Will you linger in the shadows or will you join me?"

She turned her gaze towards the place he was hiding, and now he had no other option but to step into the light. And so he did, revealing himself to her.

"Tauriel…" he hoarsely whispered her name.

She looked at him with a challenging smile, and waded closer to the ledge of the pool. "Will you undress yourself, or shall I do it for you, my lord?" she asked him under the pretense of formality.

Thranduil found it difficult to answer, for his breath was caught in his throat. He only kept watching Tauriel's every move, as she stepped out of the pool and moved to untie the cord of his robes. She pushed the heavy fabric from his shoulders, and it fell to the floor with a whoosh. A look to his eyes, now half-lidded, intense and dark with desire, and another to the straining front of his trousers lit the flame of lust in her own body as well.

Slowly she reached for his waistband, allowing her fingers to tease him for a while, causing him to produce nigh inaudible gasps. But he caught her hand before she moved any further.

"I saw you speaking with Tinuven in the gardens earlier today…" he muttered.

"You saw us?" she wondered in disbelief, whilst trying in vain to free her hand.

"My chambers have a view of the gardens, in case you have forgotten…" he informed her. "You seemed to be enjoying a very lively and quite friendly chat", he remarked huskily, raising an eyebrow.

A side-smirk crept upon Tauriel's rosy lips. "Do I sense now that you are jealous, my love?" she asked him, and, since she could not remove her hand from his grip, she cunningly pressed it forward against his private parts, which resulted in his biting on his lower lip.

"What if I am jealous? Should I be?" he gasped.

She laughed merrily. "My love…" she whispered to him lovingly, and her eyes were bright and looking at him with utter devotion.

Unable to resist any longer, he released his hold of her and brought up both his hands and cupped her face, kissing her hungrily, fiercely, wantonly. She wound her arms around his torso and pulled him close to her, both desperate to feel each other. The sudden touch of her wet skin on his sent a thrill coursing through his limbs, and excited him even further.

Before long he, too, was free of any restraining garment, and his hands sought to travel all over her body, as did hers.

"Come…" she whispered to him breathily, and led him into the pool.

Enveloped now by the lukewarm water, both elves allowed their senses to relax, and delivered themselves unto each other completely, until the margins of their separate existences were blurred and lost.

They became one in body as they were in spirit, strong and inseparable in the safety of their love.

A/N: My most sincere apologies for this prolonged absence! It has been nearly a year since I last updated this story, but it was not due to lack of motive. Plainly enough, life happened. My job is very demanding and takes up most of my time (and much of my free time as well). But the thought of returning to the story had been pestering me for months, so here I am now, here it is now, updated with a new chapter! There are more in the works, and although I cannot promise a frequent or regular update, I ask all of you who have liked this story so far, stay tuned, and thank you!