The first thing Breigel did upon reaching the beach was to charge her horse forward, galloping through the rolling waves. The other three watched as she galloped away down the beach, leaving them to plod through the golden sand.

"She is happy," Danavorn commented unnecessarily.

"The sea calls to us more than it does to you," Saelhir commented, feeling his own heart pulling him towards the waves. "Even having crossed from Middle Earth, it still lingers."

"There is no need for that sort of melancholy, Saelhir!" Gondram said, punching his shoulder. Saelhir glared at him. "We are here on the shores of the sea for a fun day with your lovely princess. You should be ecstatic!"

"Call her my princess like that again when she is in earshot and I will bury you alive," Saelhir warned through gritted teeth, looking up to see Breigel riding back towards them. "Whatever you two were planning to do, I would think twice if I were you. I may be average at fighting, but I can take both of you if I have to."

"Fine, fine. It's your loss."

"What is the hold up?" Breigel asked, coming to a stop with a splash beside them. "You are slower than drunken dwarves!"

"What is wrong with enjoying a slow ride on the beach?" Saelhir replied with a smile. "It is not often I get to relax with the salty spray on my face."

"You can relax later, we have things to do!" Breigel said, Thala trotting anxiously in the waves. It seemed Breigel was not the only one full of energy. "I want to take out a canoe first. While I am still mostly dry."

"The boathouse is the other direction," Saelhir said with a laugh, pointing his thumb over his shoulder.

"Oh. Well, come on then!" she started galloping back the way they had come. "I'll race you!"

Saelhir rolled his eyes but quickly turned Bronad and raced after Breigel, leaving Danavorn and Gondram to bring up the rear.

Bronad may have been trained for combat, but Thala was fleeter of foot, having spent the last five years building her stamina. Breigel easily beat Saelhir, but she did not have long to wait for him to catch up.

"I win!" she said triumphantly.

"You had a head start," Saelhir said, pulling Bronad to a stop beside the carved stone boathouse. It was an open building, with a collection of small boats at the dock. Others were neatly stacked in rows inside. Breigel slid off her mount and climbed the stairs to find the canoe she wanted.

"Why not take out one of the boats already launched?" Saelhir asked, observing the many small craft lazily bobbing on the waves.

"When I came out here with Elladan, he told me that there is a special ocean canoe that is more maneuverable and shallower than the others. He says with experienced seafarers, they can get it going up to thirty knots!"

"None of us are experienced seafarers, Bree."

"Speak for yourself. I have spent lots of time on the water."

"On a sailing ship." Breigel just shrugged, squeezing through the racks of canoes as she looked for the one she was after.

"Ah, here it is! Help me pull it out." Obediently, Saelhir followed her through the racks, catching sight of her tugging at a narrow canoe with an outrigger, trying to slide it along the floor towards the dock. It was a beautiful canoe, Saelhir had to admit. Someone had taken the time to paint very fine waves and seascapes on the side.

"Should we be using this?" Saelhir asked hesitantly. "It looks like someone's personal boat."

"It is," Breigel grunted, sliding it forward a few more inches. "It was a gift to Elrohir and Elladan from Cirdan."

"Where are you?" Gondram's voice echoed through the building.

"In the back!" Breigel called, pushing the canoe again. "Are you going to help me or not?"

"We can't use that!" Saelhir said incredulously. "It is a work of art."

Breigel looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

Despite his protests, Saelhir quickly found himself sitting in the stern of the beautiful canoe, hoping that when Breigel was done, it would still be in one piece.

"Ready?" she called, grinning from ear to ear as she looked over at the second canoe beside them, this one ordinary and holding Danavorn and Gondram, paddles ready.

"Whenever you are, Princess," Gondram replied cheerfully.

"Go!"

The elves raced their canoes along the shoreline, speeding across the waves as they made for the finish line, a small sandy peninsula jutting out from the shore. Despite all their limited nautical skills, both teams surged forward, picking up considerable speed as they went. Saelhir smiled and rolled his eyes at the maniacally giggling from in front of him. Breigel was certainly enjoying herself.

The outrigger canoe proved its superiority, outstripping the regular canoe in short order. Saelhir turned and watched the annoyed looks on his friends' faces as they came in behind. There was no question who had won.

"I do not think that was a fair race," Gondram protested as they drifted towards the others, the prow of their canoe bumping into the side of the fine craft. Saelhir winced, hoping none of the paint chipped off. "You are both stronger and have more stamina than either of us. Danavorn's a gardener, for crying out loud. We should either switch up teams or canoes."

"Not a chance!" Breigel said, sticking her tongue out. "Don't be such a sore loser." She promptly grabbed the end of the other canoe and rotated it, throwing the two occupants into the waves. Saelhir roared with laughed as his friends surfaced, sputtering and spitting out seawater.

"That was rude!" Danavorn complained, whipping his hair out of his face, showering the still-dry youths with water. "Now my boots are going to be soggy."

"Shouldn't have worn them in the canoe," Breigel teased, grinning mischievously.

"Let's see how you like it," Gondram replied, grabbing hold of the stern of their canoe and twisting. Breigel let out a screech as she and Saelhir were both dumped unceremoniously into the water with their friends.

Now that all four elves were in the water, an all out war began. The canoes drifting upside-down nearby, they all began furiously spraying each other with water and dunking heads beneath the waves. Laughter broke the calm serenity of the beach, and other elves that were enjoying the shore that day moved further down the beach, away from the youthful chaos. It was a long time before the battle died down, all of the elves breathing heavily as they tread water.

"We should probably get the canoes put away, since it seems we are done with them," Saelhir commented, noticing they had drifted about halfway to shore.

"Probably," Gondram said, giving Saelhir an amused smirk that the latter chose to ignore. He knew what that was about and had no desire to rise to the bait, knowing the conversation that would ensue. Breigel had latched her arms around his neck again, letting him hold her up out of the water. She seemed to be getting quite used to clinging to him like that, and he was not about to protest. He was simply thankful he was a strong swimmer.

"Wouldn't it be nice if the waves would just put them away for us?" Breigel commented, resting her chin on Saelhir's shoulder.

"The tide will change before then," Gondram said. He dove under the water, appearing several meters away as he swam towards the drifting canoes. Danavorn followed as Saelhir gently extracted himself from Breigel.

"What, you're not going to tow me back to shore?" she teased, swimming lazily away from him.

"I am not going to tow both you and a canoe back, no," Saelhir replied, rolling his eyes before starting towards the others.

Once the canoes were safely stowed—the one made by Cirdan none the worse for having been on the water—the four decided it was time for lunch. Soggy and dripping, boots were set out to dry, tunics were laid out on the rocks, and a blanket was set down to keep them from becoming coated in sand.

"Do forgive our nakedness, Princess," Gondram said with a grin, wringing out his shirt. "But I would like to dry a bit before putting on another tunic. Nor do I want to get it covered with sand should we decide to swim once more."

"As much as you seem determined to do so, Gondram, you are not going to offend me, even with your shirtlessness," Breigel replied, attempting to wring out her own tunic while still wearing it. "I merely wish it was socially acceptable for me to do the same."

"None of us would complain," Gondram quipped back, earning an annoyed glare from Breigel and punches from both Danavorn and Saelhir.

"Why don't you make yourself useful and go dig out lunch," Saelhir snapped, sliding his own tunic off over his head. "And keep your inappropriate comments to yourself."

"Alright," Gondram said airily, obviously not fazed by his friend's attitude. He strode away whistling, off to find the meal he and Danavorn had packed.

"So after our meal, do you want to go swimming again or check out that cave I mentioned?" Breigel had quickly forgotten about Gondram and plopped down between Saelhir and Danavorn, pulling her long hair over her shoulder as she started braiding it. "I think we should explore the cave and then go swimming again. But that is just me."

"Whatever you want to do, Bree," Saelhir said, leaning back on his elbows. The warm summer sun felt wonderful on his face, and he closed his eyes with a smile. "As long as I get to sit and enjoy the sunshine for a little bit."

"You enjoy the sun every day!"

"Not like this. Don't you ever want to just be lazy for a few hours?"

"Not really, no." Saelhir was jolted out of his repose as Breigel swung her braided hair around, smacking him in the face. Wiping the water away, Saelhir glared at the laughing princess as Gondram returned with a leather satchel. He began unpacking a hearty meal of breads, jams, cheeses, fruit, and assorted pastries good for travel.

"I managed to swipe this, too," Gondram commented, pulling an ornate bottle from the bag. "It's an expensive red wine my father is fond of. Luckily, he has so many of them, he won't notice one missing."

"Excellent!" Danavorn said, taking the bottle and examining it. "I always wanted to break into your father's stores."

"It might not be what you're used to, Princess, but I promise, it is good."

"Let's find out," Breigel said, smiling as Gondram popped the cork on the bottle.

The wine was indeed delicious, and paired well with the assortment of pastries. Contrary to her previous statement, Breigel seemed quite happy to be lazy for a while. She lay on her back, eyes closed against the afternoon sun, listening to the other three chatting around her. She knew Saelhir was close on her left, and Danavorn sat leaning against a rock just a few feet to her right. Gondram had chosen a flat rock behind them to lie on.

"You looked so pitiful," Gondram chortled, Saelhir joining him. "I never thought you would forgive us."

"I still haven't," Danavorn huffed, making the others laugh louder. Gondram had been reminiscing about a childhood prank that they had pulled on Danavorn. From what Breigel had gathered, it had something to do with a childhood sweetheart and a great deal of mud. "Annien has not spoken to me since."

"She is too proud, Danavorn," Saelhir commented easily. "It would never have worked out. You would be miserable."

"Speaking of the miserable, we have company."

At Danavorn's words, the other three sat up, following his gaze down the beach. They all let out a simultaneous groan.

"How did he know we were here?" Breigel asked, scowling as she watched Barahen and another half dozen elves coming towards them along the beach.

"One of his friends must have heard us mention it," Saelhir said, feeling his blood boiling in irritation. "I guess it is too much to ask for him to just keep walking."

"Not a chance," Danavorn said with a scowl. "Have you mastered that sword form yet?"

"No. I don't have a sword with me either," Saelhir muttered back. "Unfortunately."

"This isn't going to be pleasant," Gondram whispered as Barahen came within earshot. They watched him strut confidently towards them, indicating he had every intention of starting a conversation that none of them wanted to have. He paused at the end of their blanket, glancing at the others before his eyes settled on Breigel.

"How are you, Princess?" Barahen asked smoothly, eyes taking in her damp clothing in a rather hungry way. "Still wasting time on these dull elves?"

"I don't think they are dull," Breigel said, scowling. Barahen had apparently given up on acting civil. "We are just enjoying the beach. I am sure you have places to be, so we will not keep you. Especially since you find our company dull."

"I could never find you dull, Princess," Barahen said with smirk. "Since you have so far been too busy to spend time with me, perhaps you would spare me a short time to walk along the beach. I would dearly love to have your company for a little while."

"What about your friends?" Breigel said, gesturing the handful of elves that stood a couple steps behind Barahen. "Surely you all came to the beach for your own amusement. I would hate to get in the way of that."

"Nonsense, your presence would only make my day brighter. My friends can stay here and keep yours company."

"If it is all the same to you, Barahen, I think I would rather stay here."

"Please, Princess? You do not know how happy it would make me."

"I have an idea," Breigel said, eyes narrowing dangerously. "And I also know that I will not enjoy such a stroll."

"How can you know when you have spent no time with me?"

"I have spoken to you enough to get the idea. If you would be so kind as to leave, I would appreciate it."

"Come now, just a few minutes?"

"Leave, Barahen," Saelhir said with such authority that all the elves around him looked at him in shock. None of them, not even Gondram and Danavorn, had heard that tone in his voice. Saelhir stood to face Barahen in case things got ugly. "Take your friends and go."

"I did not realize you owned the beach, Saelhir," Barahen said, eyes darkening. There was no more pleasantness in his voice as it hissed angrily. "I will not leave just because you demand it."

"I am saving you from making a fool out of yourself," Saelhir said dangerously. "I suggest you take the gift and leave while you can."

"Do not think you can threaten me and get away with it," Barahen seethed, moving closer. Saelhir stood his ground. "Everyone knows you are just the Princess's pet. You have no claws. You are like a poor injured animal, growling feebly without anything to back it up."

"Look, Barahen, you are beginning to get on my nerves," Breigel said, standing abruptly beside Saelhir. "Whatever claim you think you have to my attention, you are sadly mistaken. I want nothing to do with you, is that clear? And I would advise you to stay away from Saelhir as well."

"I admire your devotion to your pet, Princess. Why do you take such pity on him? He is not worth it."

"He is worth much more than you ever will be," Breigel snapped. Much to everyone's surprise, especially Saelhir's, she wrapped her arms around Saelhir's waist and pulled herself close to him, resting her head on his chest. "He is mine and I am his, and your sad, pathetic self does not belong in our lives."

The implication of her statement gave everyone pause. Saelhir was reeling, trying to struggle through the possessive statement she had just made while attempting to keep his heart rate steady despite the fact that Breigel's cheek was pressed up against his bare chest, her hands firmly holding his waist.

"What is the matter, Barahen? Cannot handle the truth?" Danavorn said cruelly, his voice smug about the shocked look on his rival's face. Barahen had apparently no words to respond, and turned on his heal, stalking away. As he disappeared, Breigel let out a heavy sigh, pulling away from Saelhir. He found he did not like the distance at all.

"I am sorry to use you like that, Saelhir," she said, taking her seat again next to Danavorn. "I could not think of any other way to get rid of him."

"I'm glad it worked," Saelhir said, feeling disappointment wash over him. He could not look at Breigel, his emotions too wild still, so he just crossed his arms and stared after Barahen, knowing that he was probably going to regret what had just happened. He already did, but not because of Barahen. He wanted to have Breigel back in his arms. Where she belonged. Her absence after such a declaration only reminded him that she was not his. And it stung.

"For now," Breigel said with a sigh. "I find that the more persistent elves are not always deterred by other suitors. I hate being me sometimes."

"We are glad you are you," Gondram said, filling in the conversation since he seemed to be aware Saelhir was incapable of a discussion at the moment. "You are fun."

"Thanks," Breigel said with a laugh. "Do you all want to go explore that cave I was talking about? I don't think I want to stay lying on the beach anymore."

"Sure," Gondram said, standing and stretching. "I'll clean up."

"No, don't worry about," Saelhir said, finally turning around. "I'll get it. I'll catch up."

"Are you sure?" Breigel said, frowning. She seemed to realize something was not right. But Saelhir smiled, hoping it was convincing enough to earn him a few minutes alone to think.

"I am sure. Go on, I won't be long."

He watched as Gondram took her arm and started leading her down the beach. He was grateful for the help. Despite his teasing and meddling, his friend seemed to recognize his need to think.

Saelhir sighed. So much for a relaxing day off. He could still feel Breigel's bare skin against his as if it was burning his flesh. He was not sure he would ever forget that feeling. But even that seemed insignificant next to the feeling of having Breigel claim him as her own. And saying that she was his. He was fairly certain his heart had stopped at her words for several seconds. She had no idea how much he wished those words were true.

Poor Saelhir. Sorry if this felt rushed. I was having a moment of nostalgia and decided to throw the canoe stuff in there rather haphazardly. I really want to be in the tropics again. Winter stinks. Anyway, I hope you at least kind of enjoyed this new chapter. It is entirely possible you will not get one next week (at least not early in the week) since I will be gone all weekend. Next time, Saelhir, Breigel, Gondram and Danavorn will be doing some spelunking.