A Journey of Love and Heartache

by Claris o Gaerdydd

Lynwen; a human raised in Rivendell, unexpectedly finds love in the arms of the Prince of Mirkwood, Legolas, after a passionate romance with her foster brother, Elrohir, comes to an agonising end. But with both Legolas and Elrohir fighting for her love, Lynwen will find herself torn. But who will she finally end up with? Legolas or Elrohir? (Love Triangle)

35. Love, Hope, and Starlight

Warning - sexual content in this chapter.

Chapter 35 - Love, Hope, and Starlight

It had been a full day's ride to the cliff-top refuge of Dunharrow, and they had arrived with just enough daylight left to be able to set-up their tents before darkness would fall.

The winding pathway that had led them up to the top of this aerial refuge within the White Mountains, had been an experience that Lynwen wasn't in a rush to repeat. The steep, winding walkway had been narrow, leaving just enough width for the horse, with a sheer drop to one side. Just one misplaced footing could have brought them plummeting to the rocky ground below. So it had been somewhat of a relief for her when they had all made it to the summit in one piece.

But it had dawned on Lynwen, after seeing everyone setting up tents, that she hadn't actually given a second thought as to where or how she was planning to camp. She hadn't brought a tent with her, and doubted that Legolas or her brothers would have either, for she knew that they were planning to leave soon for this top-secret task of theirs. So, regretfully, she realised that she would probably be sleeping outside under the stars tonight, and every other night that the women remained camped here.

She eyed Éowyn, Éomer's sister, some ten yards away, and cringed slightly when the blonde Lady gave her a deathly glare before disappearing inside her tent, making it clear that the Lady of Rohan now knew what had happened all those years ago in Rivendell. And judging by her ruthless glare at Lynwen, it was obvious her and Éowyn weren't going to be the best of friends any time soon, which was undoubtedly going to make the next number of weeks here in Dunharrow, most uncomfortable.

Lynwen turned her head and looked out at the view of Harrowdale below, seeing the soft glow of torches from the hundreds of men who were camped down there, spreading way into the distance. There wasn't enough room up here to house everyone, so the majority of the Rohirrim soldiers were camped down there, at the base of the White Mountains.

"Hey."

The silky, smooth voice of Legolas, softly caressed her, as she allowed his sudden presence to comfort her. His presence always comforted her, even when she wasn't seeking comfort.

She turned her head to look at him standing beside her, his body close enough that she was able to feel its warmth, but far enough away so as to not arise suspicion from bystanders.

"How are you doing?" He asked, his voice quiet but full of concern. He was gazing at her, his clear-blue eyes glistening slightly from the surrounding camp-fires, and displaying all the deep and loving warmth that he felt for her.

Lynwen nodded, unable to stop herself smiling as she looked at the benevolent way in which he was looking at her. "Yeah, I'm fine." She answered, moving her hand slightly to secretly stroke her fingers against his.

He looked down at her subtle caress, his full lips pulling into his own smile as he looked at their intertwined fingers. Oh Eru, he loved her so much, and wished more than anything that he didn't have to leave her again.

He tilted his head back up and looked into her eyes, taking some time to silently share all of his immense love for her, through their bond. But he was unable to filter out the pain that he was also feeling at that moment. Pain at having to be apart from her again. "I don't want to leave you." He whispered, his voice full of agony.

Lynwen closed her eyes as she allowed his feelings of misery to mix with her own agonising emotions. This just wasn't fair. After having her heart broken last year, to a point that she had thought had been completely irreparable, Legolas had come along and had very gently put it back together again, showing her that he would always treat it with the utmost care and devotion. But now, this ellon whom she loved so damn much, and whom she needed more than she was willing to admit, was having to leave her to go and fulfil a task that he had sworn himself to. A task that was tied into this damn war that they had all found themselves involved in. And a task that was a part of this retched fellowship that he had promised his services to all those months ago. They were fighting against the Dark Lord, Sauron, which was no easy feat, but Lynwen knew that it was also necessary. Her husband and brothers were battling to eradicate the growing evil that Sauron was unleashing, working to make Middle Earth safe for everyone. And she knew how important that was to him. He had told her how much making these lands safe, especially for her, meant to him. So, reluctantly, she had to let him go.

"I know." She eventually replied, her voice full of regret as she slowly opened her eyes. "But you have to."

He continued to look at her, his inner turmoil and conflict at having to depart from her, emanating from his broken-looking eyes. He squeezed her fingers in his while keeping his stare locked onto hers. "I'll be back for you, Lynwen."

Lynwen only nodded her head as she looked out into the distant lands, trying desperately to quell the rising ache that was increasing throughout her body. She had only just been reunited with her husband a few days ago, and even though he had to leave, the realisation that they were going to have to part from each other again, still crushed her.

She heard Legolas sigh deeply beside her, clearly finding this situation difficult too. But there was nothing that could be done. This was the way it had to be.

"Come." He quietly said after a number of moments, his voice sounding through a defeated exhale. "I've prepared you dinner."

xxx

Dinner consisted of rabbit stew and a sombre mood. Legolas hardly ate a thing, but then he very rarely did, and Lynwen had found that she had suddenly lost her appetite.

Legolas had pointed her in the direction of a narrow, hidden pathway that seemingly led further and deeper up into the White Mountains, and had instructed her to wait for him there while he had retrieved their food.

They had then walked together, over rocky terrain and deeper up into the isolation of the White Mountains. They kept walking for a while, until they were a good distance from the camp, ensuring that they would be awarded some much needed privacy. And it was here, hidden amongst tall walls of rock, with the only view being that of the black sky above them, where they had both attempted to eat their dinner.

"Why aren't you eating that?" Legolas asked, gesturing towards the bowl of uneaten stew in her lap.

Lynwen picked up the bowl and placed it down on the ground beside her. "I'm just not very hungry."

Legolas silently studied her, placing his own bowl onto the ground beside him. It was pitch black up there, with the light from the half-moon not being able to cast any light due to the high walls of rock that towered over them. All they had was starlight to be able to see each other with, although he suspected that Lynwen probably couldn't see him very well at all. But he was quietly grateful for that in that moment, because it meant he could continue to look upon her without her knowledge. He wanted to engrave every single detail about her deep into his memory, because in truth, he had absolutely no idea how long he'd be gone, and seeing the desolate look upon her face, that was once piece of information he wasn't planning on sharing with her.

He shuffled his body so that he was now sitting directly beside her. He opened up his cloak, firmly wrapping the both of them up inside it as he held her close against his chest, placing a soft, lingering kiss upon her head.

"When this is all over, Lynwen, we'll finally be able to begin our life together." He said, wrapping his arms around her more tightly. "We can choose where we would like to live, and I'll build us a sturdy house, somewhere that we and our children can call home." He placed another soft kiss upon her head, taking a moment to deeply inhale every thing about her. "I'll take good care of you, Lynwen. You'll never want for anything, I promise you that."

Lynwen cuddled herself into his strong frame, nestling her head into the crook of his neck. "All I need is you, Legolas. So long as I have you, then I don't need anything else."

"You have me, Lynwen. You'll always have me." He assured her, his arms tightening his hold of her body even more.

A comfortable silence fell upon them then as they continued to snuggle up together, both of them taking joy in their thoughts about their shared future.

"How many children are we going to have?" Lynwen asked after a few minutes, unable to contain the huge smile on her face as she pictured the wonderful image of Legolas holding their future baby in his arms.

"At least five."

Lynwen bolted upright and turned to face him even though she could hardly see him through the darkness. "Five?!" She repeated in shock.

Legolas smirked at her aghast expression. Her gorgeous blue eyes were opened wide and her mouth was agape, making him fall in love with her even harder. "Yes, at least." He confirmed confidently and calmly. "But hopefully more."

Lynwen just continued to stare at him, not being able to determine if he was winding her up or not. "You're kidding." She eventually concluded.

But Legolas only smiled even wider. "I'm not. I want to have loads with you."

He laughed out loud after seeing her face, then. Her expression was a picture at that moment, causing him to reach out and pull her back into his embrace. "Just think of the fun we'll have making all of those babies!" He said with a teasing enthusiasm.

Lynwen rolled her eyes. "Just think of the fun we'll have raising all of those babies!" She replied sarcastically, making Legolas laugh even more at her obvious reluctance.

It was moments like these that he cherished more than anything; the two of them alone, and free to display their true feelings for each other without having to worry if anyone could see or hear. But unfortunately, these relaxed and comfortable occasions where they were free to just act like any normal couple, were a rarity. And until this war was over, and their marriage was made public, then these special times spent together would continue to be seldom.

"How long will you be gone?"

Legolas sighed at her dreaded question. He had hoped to avoid talking about this, because he didn't have an answer for her. "I honestly have no idea."

Silence fell upon them again, the good mood from moments ago now turning solemn. He hated everything about this war. When he had joined the cause back last December, he had done it for the sole purpose of wanting to make Middle Earth a safer place for Lynwen. All he wanted in life was for her to be protected and happy, so joining the fellowship to help stop Sauron's resurrection and to eradicate all of his evil and terror once and for all, had been necessary to help Legolas achieve that goal. He needed to know that if anything happened to him, then Lynwen would at least be safe and could continue on living her life in a land that was free of harm and danger. He personally needed to see to that. For her.

But his strong desire to protect her, and to secure her future, still didn't stop him from feeling nothing but detest for this quest he was now sworn to. Because every minute he was away fighting this war, was another minute he was being kept away from his beloved wife.

"Will you at least be coming straight back here to Dunharrow after you have completed this small task, tonight?"

Legolas inwardly sighed. There was nothing 'small' about summoning the Army of the Dead, which was the secret task that he, Aragorn, Gimli, and the twins were undertaking tonight. The ghost army that hid deep in the mountains were hostile and extremely dangerous, and anyone who had been brave enough to attempt to summon them over the past couple of thousand years, had been brutally slain. And because the army had been cursed by Aragorn's ancestor, Isildur, whom had been the King of Gondor at that time, meant that they could only be summoned by the rightful heir to the throne; which was Aragorn.

But still, it didn't stop Legolas and the others from feeling extremely apprehensive about what might happen once they located the army of ghosts. Would they get out of there alive? They had no idea. But they desperately needed all the help they could get for this battle that was descending upon Gondor, so they had little choice.

"No, we'll head to Gondor afterwards to answer their call for aid." He answered regrettably.

Lynwen only nodded her understanding, feeling a tremendous amount of sorrow souring throughout her, making her body ache. She didn't want him to go. She didn't want to ever be apart from him again! But she knew he had to go, and so, she chose to just remain silent.

Legolas affectionately rubbed his nose against the side of her head, loving the feel of her unruly, even a little frizzy, hair stroking his cheek, as he tried desperately to quell his own ache within his heart. "How does Ithilien sound for our new home?" He quietly asked in his attempt to refocus their conversation back onto their future; a subject that he hoped would give them a little bit of hope to hold on to while they would be apart.

Lynwen turned her head to nuzzle her face back into the crook of his neck, relishing in his comforting scent and the softness of his smooth skin against hers. "Where's that?" She whispered.

"It's a region in the kingdom of Gondor. A truly beautiful stretch of land that's filled with glorious woodland, stunning gardens, and splendid streams and waterfalls."

"Wow, it sounds gorgeous."

Legolas nodded. "Aye, it is. But at the moment, it's being ruled by Sauron." He said gravely, immediately sensing Lynwen's confusion as to why he would suggest living there if it was riddled with evil. "We're going to win this war, Lynwen." He added with confidence. "And once we defeat Sauron and his army, I'm going to return Ithilien back to the magical wonder that it always used to be. I want to start an elven colony there."

Lynwen lifted her head to look at him. "Really? What made you decide this?"

"Aragorn asked me. Once he reclaims the throne of Gondor, he wants someone to restore that area of the kingdom back to its former glory. And he knows of my desire to leave Mirkwood, so that's why he asked me." He turned his head to look down at her. "I think it will be a wonderful opportunity for us, Lynwen. Neither of us desire to return to our homelands, and this will give us a chance to make a new life for ourselves in a neutral part of Middle Earth. A fresh start, away from our pasts, and with only the future ahead of us."

Lynwen closed her eyes as she imagined just what that future would look like. The war would be over, evil would be eradicated, and her and Legolas would be living happily together in their home. They would be publicly embracing their marriage and love for one another, with the possibility of some children running about the place, as they would both continue to live their lives together in pure and unadulterated bliss.

"I think it sounds wonderful." She said through a dreamy sigh, which caused Legolas to smile widely, crushing her body to his own.

"I think so, too." He said contentedly.

They both remained up there in the mountains for a while longer, simply talking and cuddling up to one another, and making the most of the last bit of time they would have together, for goodness knew how long.

Legolas still had Lynwen cradled in his lap, his cloak still tightly enveloping the both of them while he held her snugly against his chest, his hand softly stroking her hair. "Your hair is so long now." He said in wonder, as he allowed the long length of it to run through his fingers.

Lynwen laughed at his completely random statement. "Yeah I suppose it is." She replied, somewhat bemused.

"No, really. It reaches down to your waist!" He said in amazement. "When I met you it only reached to your shoulders."

"Yes, but that was like, what, eight and a half years ago?"

Legolas let go of her hair and brought her body closer to his chest, his strong arms holding her tight. "I know, but still." He said with a shrug of his shoulders, his persona instantly feeling comforted the closer he held her to him.

Lynwen smiled at all the memories that they had shared together during her time living in Mirkwood. She would never forgive Elrond for what he did to her all those years ago, but she wouldn't change a single minute of it either. If she hadn't been abandoned by her father, she may never have met Legolas. And that thought upset her greatly. She just couldn't imagine her life without the Mirkwood prince in it.

"When I first met you, I thought you were a psychopath." Lynwen suddenly said, causing Legolas to spin his head round to look down at her.

"Well, thank you very much!" He said sarcastically, which incited a burst of laughter from his wife.

"I'm sorry, but it's true!" She confirmed, her laughter still evident.

Legolas smiled widely as he listened to her. Her dirty laughter had always been so infectious, and it was something that he always loved to listen to.

"And what did I do to warrant such an unfair analysis?" He asked in a mocking stern tone, pretending to be offended by Lynwen's accusation. But he wasn't the slightest bit offended. He actually really loved this sort of banter that they always shared together.

Lynwen blew out a long breath. "Phew, where do I start!?" She said, her tone still teasing and light-hearted. "Maybe with the way you kept staring at me like you were just waiting to kill me? Or maybe having to watch you mutilate that orc?"

Legolas cringed at that. "Lynwen, I can't apologise enough for subjecting you to that killing. I'm so sorry that you had to watch that."

But Lynwen reached up her hand and tenderly stroked his arm. "Legolas, I wasn't seeking an apology from you. And I know that they would have probably done the same thing to me had you and Horthien not arrived in time..."

"Don't remind me." Legolas cut-in, in a worried tone, his hold on her tightening even more.

"You did what you had to do, and I'll be forever grateful to you for saving my life that day." She said, a teasing smile pulling at her lips again. "But you still scared the living daylights out of me!"

Legolas laughed heartedly before he placed a number of kisses on top of her head. "But not anymore, I hope?"

"No, not anymore." Lynwen replied with a loving smile, placing a gentle kiss upon his hand.

"If I hadn't lived for all those years in Mirkwood, do you think that we still would have fallen in love when you came to stay in Imladris, last year?" Lynwen asked after a few moments of serene silence.

"Well I know for sure that I would have fallen in love with you." Legolas answered with confidence.

"But how can you be so sure? That probably would have been the first time that we would have met each other. And then you would have left with the Fellowship just a few months later."

"Lynwen. I fell head-over-heels in love with you from the very first moment that I ever laid eyes on you in Mirkwood. So I know that it would have been no different had the first time I saw you be in Imladris. All I needed was a second to look upon you, and I was hooked!"

Lynwen couldn't deny that she loved hearing him talking about his love for her. It warmed her heart to know that there was someone who loved her as much as Legolas did. No longer did she feel like a spare-part that just didn't fit or belong anywhere, because now, she knew that she belonged right here in Legolas' arms. And because she trusted him wholeheartedly to never hurt her like Elrohir and Elrond had, she had finally opened up her self-made barricade that had been guarding her heart this whole time, feeling confident that Legolas would always treat it with the utmost care and devotion.

"I love you so much, Legolas." She sighed in contentment.

"And I love you more than you'll ever know." He said, placing more kisses on the top of her head as he held her tight.

They remained wrapped up in each other for a while longer, gripping each other in a firm embrace, taking advantage of the little amount of time that they had left together. Leaving Lynwen was going to be one of the toughest things that he would ever have to do, especially after he had only just found her again.

He broke the serene silence that they had both been sharing in by placing his finger under her chin, gently tilting her face up towards his and softly laying his lips upon hers. He kissed her slowly, pouring every emotion that he was feeling in to it, allowing her to taste all of his lust, passion, and utter devotion that he always held for her. He could stay like this forever, always having her body pressed against his, with her sweet-tasting lips placed against his own. His heart constantly ached for her; always wanting, always yearning for her, but even more so when they were sharing their love for each other like this. Through their bond, they could feel each other in a way that all unbound couples would never be able to understand. With each amiable touch of their lips, with every sensual stroke of their tongues, and with every loving caress of bare skin, their bodies would ignite not just in a sexual way, but in a way that would bring their souls to life, binding them in a deep-rooted connection that was so powerful, they would simply become one being in those moments. And they were moments that Legolas would crave every second of every day.

The kiss intensified, their tongues delving further into each others' mouths, their hands gliding over the other in their desperate attempt to deepen the emotional connection that was building.

By the Valar, he wanted to be inside her so much in that moment, solidifying their bond with each thrust into her warm centre, and claiming her over and over again with each deep implant of his seed. But despite the warmth from the sun that morning, the night had turned cold again, and although the temperature was rarely a problem for him, he knew it was for Lynwen. Especially if he was to undress her up here. She'd probably freeze!

But with each shared breath from their heated kiss, Legolas was finding it more and more difficult to resist burying himself deep between his wife's thighs. He desperately needed to feel her warmth enveloping him, allowing him to reach the very depths of her emotions. He just needed to make that complete connection with her at that moment, to imprint a piece of her soul onto his own so that he'd have a part of her inside his own body.

So without breaking the kiss, he slowly lowered them both down on to the ground, cradling the back of her head in his large palm. He supported his body with his forearms as he nestled his narrow hips between her slightly parted thighs, applying the gentlest and most tender amount of pressure onto her intimate area with his hard bulge, allowing her to feel him. He swallowed her soft moans as he continued to kiss her slowly, deeply, and with purpose, finding that his breeches were stretched to the point of bursting as his hard elf-hood strained for freedom.

He broke the kiss to throw his cloak down on to the ground, instructing Lynwen to lie on top of it, but to turn around onto her stomach. He was still aware of the coldness of the evening and didn't want his human wife to suffer the falling temperatures by undressing her, so this was the only way that he could take her without having to bare her naked.

Once he could see that she was as comfortable as she could be, lying on her stomach with her body stretched out on top of his cloak, he lowered himself down on top of her, the front of his own body lying flush against the back of hers. He reached his hand between their bodies and took a hold of the waistband of Lynwen's riding pants, pulling them, and her knickers, down just enough to give him access. He re-positioned her own cloak, making sure that she was still being blanketed by it, and ensuring that the exposed flesh of her behind was fully covered, not wanting her to feel the cold. He then skilfully pulled the tie at the top of his breeches in just a few short tugs, loosening the clothing so that he could pull out his arousal in one swift movement. Then he was pushing himself into her, inciting whimpers of pleasure from his wife with each inch that he penetrated. And once he was fully buried to the hilt, unable to reach any deeper with his length, he closed his eyes in pure unrestrained bliss as he relished in the intense heat of Lynwen, wonderfully warming his hard shaft.

He recognised that the long, deep, and drawn-out groan that emanated from his throat was immensely loud, louder than he normally would be. But up here in the mountains, with no-one within earshot, he was finally being given the chance to let himself go. To unleash the unimaginable euphoria he always felt when he was joined to Lynwen in this way. So, he didn't hold back for a single second. And with each slow, but purposeful thrust in to his wife, he allowed himself to cry out at the top of his lungs, howling and moaning wildly like a feral animal. But it felt truly wonderful this way, with no restraints or worries that they may be heard or seen, which allowed them both to get completely and utterly lost in the moment. To get completely and utterly lost in each other.

He looked down at Lynwen lying beneath him, her head turned to one side with her right cheek resting on the ground. Her eyes were closed and her lips were parted, as she proceeded to make soft murmurs of pleasure with every movement that he made into her. Wanting to get a better look at her, he swept her long, dark-brown hair away from her face, and draped it off of her shoulder, allowing it to flow across the ground beside her. Now that the left side of her face was completely exposed to him, he could see much more clearly the way in which her expressions were contorting; something that he always loved to watch during their love-making. She looked truly mesmerising to him in that moment, with only the slight glow of the starlight, faintly illuminating her small frame, and casting the one side of her face in a ghostly white light, emphasising her heavily furrowed brow and gasping open mouth. To him, she looked nothing short of a goddess, her star-lit beauty more hypnotising than Elbereth, herself.

"I love you so much." Legolas strained against her ear, his groin still steadily grinding against her backside. "You feel so amazing, Lynwen." He groaned, his eyes firmly closed as he concentrated on not finishing too soon. But it was proving to be difficult. With the physical feeling of her moist heat, mixed with the emotional connection of their bond, he was being pushed closer and closer to the edge. He stretched out his body, laying himself flat atop of her and covering every inch of her with his tall, lithe frame, while his hips continued to move on their own accord, instinctively pistoning his rod in and out.

His mouth opened wide, releasing an audible wail as his eyes screwed shut more tightly. "Oh, Valar! Oh, Valar!" He began to shout, unable to keep his elation at a lower volume as he continued to cry out into the night air, his hips moving faster and faster as he neared completion.

Lynwen couldn't hold-off on her orgasm any longer. Hearing her husband being so incredibly loud and vocal, only forced her to the brink of no return. His cries and shouts were so pure and real, so revealing and unguarded, and just so damn sexy! She joined in with his own cries, almost screaming her release as her climax engulfed her entire being, making every inch of her body shake violently.

And only a second after his wife, Legolas unleashed his own, mind-blowing orgasm, howling like never before with his shout echoing off of the mountain walls that surrounded them. His seed released itself and landed deep inside his wife's beautiful body, settling there and forever marking her as his.

He remained on top of her for a number of moments, feeling completely spent and immensely satisfied, his breathing erratic and out of sync. He tenderly nibbled at the back of her ear, his hot breath warming her skin as they both tried to get their breath back.

And after a few moments, he released the back of her ear from between his teeth before placing a single, loving kiss there, simultaneously pulling out of the warmth of her body.

"Let me look at you." He whispered in a desperate manner, rolling her over on to her back as he pushed himself up to his knees. He gazed down at her in awe, shaking his head in disbelief that this woman; the woman whom he had loved unconditionally for almost nine years, was now his wife. Finally, his hapless soul was eternally bound to the girl of his dreams, and hers to his. The both of them joined in every possible way. Forever.

He lowered himself back down on top of her sprawled body, taking her lips in a delicate kiss. "You're my whole world, Lynwen." He breathed against her mouth, his nose affectionately rubbing itself against hers. He closed his eyes as he rested his forehead against hers, releasing a long heavy sigh that was a mixture of contentment for the love that he felt for her, mixed with fear for what his extreme love for her was capable of doing to him. "I'd simply die if I ever lost you." He whispered, but the terror in his voice was unmistakeable.

Lynwen could only look up at his silhouetted profile hovering above her, her joy and serenity for what she had just experienced with her husband, quickly dissipating into dread. "Legolas, please don't say that."

"But it's true!" He implored, his voice raised. "Just the mere thought of losing you, Lynwen," He said in a panic, his eyes frantically scanning her face. "Just the thought, alone, makes me want to die."

Lynwen looked up at him in silence as she tried to work out how she was going to say what needed to be said. "Legolas... I'm human..."

But Legolas cut her off with a desperate kiss, his mouth pressed so hard against hers that she struggled for breath. "Shh, Lynwen, please." He begged her in-between his forceful ministrations against her lips.

But Lynwen managed to turn her head away, abruptly breaking the kiss. "Legolas, stop!"

He did stop in his harsh attempts to silence her, but could only look down at her with despair in his eyes. "Please don't, Lynwen." He croaked, his ice-blue eyes pleading with everything he had. "I know what the future holds for us. I know what it means for you to be human, but please, I beg you, please don't speak of it. I can't bear to hear it."

Lynwen could only continue to look up at him with concern, but simply nodded her head in answer to his plea, knowing that her inevitable death didn't need to be spoken aloud. Legolas knew it was going to happen one day, and if he didn't want to talk about it, then she had to respect that. But after hearing his little outburst, she couldn't help but to worry now, as to what would happen to him after she would eventually pass. Selfishly, it was something that she hadn't wanted to acknowledge before, because deep down, she had always known that there was a strong chance that Legolas would fade after her death, and so, she had chosen to bury her head in the sand and to just allow their marriage to intensify instead. But now, the cruel reality of their relationship had just been thrust in front of her, forcing her to recognise that the survival of her beloved husband was now being dictated by her. And that realisation filled her with such an incredible amount of worry and guilt, that she felt suffocated by it.

Legolas' head dropped between his shoulders in defeat, wishing more than anything that this particular subject hadn't come up. He couldn't even bear to think about it, let alone talk about it! He knew what was going to happen to Lynwen eventually, but that didn't mean that he wanted to acknowledge it. He wanted to continue to hide away from the harsh reality of her being human, and just pretend that it wasn't ever going to happen. It was the only way that he could deal with it.

With a heavy sigh he reluctantly reached down and pulled her knickers and riding pants back up into position before pushing himself up on to his feet. He tucked himself back into his breeches before leaning down to take a hold of her hand in his. "C'mon, let me get you up from there."

Lynwen took his offered hand, allowing him to pull her up from the ground, and to come to a standstill directly before him, the front of their bodies touching. He slid his right hand into her hair, raking the loose strands away from her face as he just stared into her eyes, his gaze boring right through to her core. His expression was unreadable and completely placid as always, but his emotions that were being fed through their bond, were a give-away as to what he was thinking about. And they were thoughts of pure and utter dread that matched her own.

"We should head back." He eventually said, his thumb tenderly stroking her cheek.

Lynwen nodded, but remained silent, sadly knowing that their walk back to the camp was going to be their last chance to be alone for a long time. If at all. That last thought was an agonising shot to her heart that nearly had her begging him to stay. But she had to believe that Legolas was going to survive this task, not to mention the battle that he would be partaking in, in Gondor! She just had to believe that he would come back to her, alive and well. She just had to!

They took their time travelling back to the camp, with Legolas never once letting go of her hand, and helping to guide her over uneven rocky surfaces, and hidden ditches, all whilst holding their dinner bowls with his other hand. He knew that his elven eyesight allowed him to see much more than humans did, especially in the dark, but that wasn't the real reason as to why he was holding her hand in a death-grip. No, it was because he just couldn't bear to let her go. Again!

Once they had reached the outskirts of the camp some twenty minutes later, he dropped the bowls and spun around to face her, pushing her up against a huge boulder, but making sure that they were still hidden from everyone's view.

The camp fires from the Rohirrim, just beyond the large boulder, were casting a warm orange glow on Lynwen's face, mixing with the faint light of the star-filled sky, and making her dark-blue eyes glisten slightly. The various shadows being cast from their surroundings were emphasising her beautifully sculptured cheek bones, and her lips looked more pink and more plump than they ever had before! She had the slightest of dark circles under her eyes; a common trait amongst humans - especially tired ones - that Legolas had come to discover recently. And her nose was bright red; yet another quirk of humans that he had come to notice, especially ones who were cold! Elves would typically call these human traits, flaws. Imperfections. Deformities, even! But not Legolas. To him, these colourful features that always seemed to adorn Lynwen's face were what made her so real, so pure, so unique, and just so damn beautiful! Everything about her was just so mesmerising to him, and he knew for a fact that he would forever feel completely and utterly awed every time he would look upon her fascinating and stunning beauty.

He smashed his lips against hers in a desperate manner, stunning Lynwen with his harsh spontaneity, and completely taking her breath away. But it only took her a split-second to recover, and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him in deeper for a passionate and heated kiss.

But Legolas sharply pulled away from her mouth after only a few seconds, not being able to trust himself if he didn't. He knew that if the kiss continued, he'd be unable to stop himself from taking her there and then, up against that small piece of rock. So he leant his forehead against hers, his eyes closed and his breathing ragged as he concentrated on trying to regain his composure.

"I just can't get enough of you." He said through a deep exhale, his eyes still closed, and his senses thoroughly dizzied.

Lynwen had her eyes closed too, her breathing also deep and fast. She tilted her chin upwards and placed a simple, subtle kiss upon his mouth. "I love you more than anything, Legolas." She said, her warm breath delicately heating his lips.

Legolas made a low satisfied groan as he heard her declaration, his own lips quickly finding hers for a small, quick kiss. "I love you, too, my beautiful wife." He breathed against her mouth.

As they both forced themselves to walk out of their hiding place and back into the camp, neither of them had realised that their brief display of affection hadn't been as secret as they had hoped. And all Elladan could do was to watch their retreating backs with his eyes wide open and his mouth thoroughly agape, his stunned body standing frozen to the spot in total and utter shock. But despite the startling impact of this shocking discovery, all he could think about was Elrohir, and at how his fiery and unpredictable younger twin was going to react to this news.