Got some more fun little tidbits in here, and an emotional upheaval. Will it be a good or bad one? Hope you enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 83

"Rise and shine!" An energetic voice said in my ear, and I jerked awake. I opened my eyes to see the laughing ones of Gwenaewen looking down at me.

"Thank you for waking me in such a…considerate manner," I mumbled, noting some sarcasm leak into my words.

Instead of being offended, Gwenaewen chuckled. "You are very welcome. I have placed some food on the table, and have a few questions for you."

I nodded slowly, "I will do my best to answer them, hiril nin," I replied cautiously.

"Do not look so alarmed!" she said jovially. "I believe you will like the reason I ask them."

With this curious development, she left so I could change, which I found to be easier now. They had washed and repaired what Gwin would call my "ranger gear", and putting it on caused a wave of longing to go through me. I sighed and tried to ignore it, but it was difficult.

Elladan was already awake and reading something on his bed, and waved a greeting to me when I addressed him, but did not look up from his book.

I felt much better today, and there was no longer any pain or coldness from my shoulder. In fact, I felt like myself again…well, except the part where Gwin was by my side.

Hopefully it would be remedied soon.

I settled down and ate the porridge and strawberries, wondering what Gwenaewen wanted to discuss. I did not have to wait long, for as soon as I finished my last bite, she appeared through the door and lowered herself into the chair beside me.

"I will get straight to the point," she began, and a twinkle was in her eye. "What are some of your meleth's favorite foods?"

My eyebrows rose, and a rush of excitement traveled through me. I pushed it aside for now and decided to list off the foods I had requested all those weeks ago in Rivendell, recalling with some amusement the antics of the twins. They must have suspected our feelings right away, if the teasing had anything to do with it.

Gwenaewen wrote them down on a scrap of parchment and tucked it away. "Hannon le!" was all she said before abruptly leaving. I had meant to ask what this was all about, but sighed as I realized I would be getting no answers until they gave them.

Before I could do anything else, Arrasiel quietly entered, a solemn expression on her ageless face. "May I sit?" she asked hesitantly.

I motioned my hand across the table at the empty chair, and she settled herself into it. "What can I do for you?" I asked curiously.

Arrasiel was wringing her hands nervously, and I waited patiently while she gathered her thoughts. "My behavior yesterday was unkind," she murmured, her eyes cast into her lap. I personally had felt more baffled than hurt by it, but let her continue. "Entering your thoughts and conjuring an image of the one you love was a breach of your privacy, and appearing in her likeness was a poor joke." I wondered if she had been put up to this by Lavaneth, but I could tell it was sincere.

"I knew you did not mean any harm by it," I said slowly. "Yet, I would agree the joke was in poor taste, as innocent as it was."

She frowned, and took a breath before raising her eyes to meet mine. "I am truly sorry, Candaith. Will you forgive me for my foolishness?"

I gave her a small smile, "There is nothing to forgive." It was strange seeing such a solemn expression on her usually youthful, mischievous face, and was glad when a familiar sparkle shone in her eyes.

"Thank you for your kindness," she said, and I could tell she was excited about something. "You deserve nothing but happiness." With that, she bid me farewell and skipped out the door, leaving me puzzled.

Shrugging my shoulders, I made my way over to my bed and asked Elladan, "What are you reading?"

His head jerked up, as he was clearly very absorbed by the pages. "Oh, it is some healing lore my father loaned me, back in Imladris. I had not looked at it since he gave it to me, but there is much here to learn! It is fascinating!"

I smiled, "I will take your word for it." He did not reply, already engrossed in the words once more. I laughed softly and took some time to reorganize my pack. It had been rifled through haphazardly the past couple of days. Or however long we had been here. As Lavaneth said, time seemed to pass differently in this place.

In one of the small inner pockets, I was delighted to come across a bar of lavender soap and a little note. Eagerly I opened it and read,

Meleth nin,

I do not know when you will read this, but I hope it brings a smile to your face, wherever you may be. I put some lavender soap in here to remind you of how important it is to have quality soap when on the road.(I laughed out loud, remembering our early exchange in the Prancing Pony and her wrinkling her nose at my own bar). I am sure the others will be jealous, and do not let Elladan see or he will likely steal it from you before you can blink!

I put your leather bracelet on my wrist. You know the one; supposedly passed down through the centuries from father to son? How curious it is that the leather looks brand new! It must be magical to have no imperfections! Surely you cannot sense any sarcasm in a letter, right? (I chuckled again, remembering her look of astonishment and suspicion when I first presented it to her).

If you dig a little more underneath the letter, I did tuck a few candied apricots in there. You must realize what a large sacrifice it was to give them to you, as they are my favorite. (I unwrapped one and popped it in my mouth, delighting in the delicious sweetness.)

On a more serious note, I want to tell you I will miss you each moment you are away, and I am thinking of you always. Even though we have only been wed for a short time, they have been the most wonderful moments of my life, and that's saying something, being almost 2000 years old! My love for you grows every second, and I will cherish it, always.

Le melin,

Your Gwin

I was smiling, but felt a few tears on my cheeks. I swear I have never cried so much as I have in the past few days. At least these were happy ones.

"What do you have there?" Elladan asked curiously.

Fighting the urge to hide it immediately, I replied, "A letter Gwin wrote me before we left. I had not noticed it until now, when I was organizing my pack."

Instead of asking to read it like I had anticipated, he just smiled and said, "Sounds like something she would do." His smile softened. "You are very lucky, you know."

"Oh believe me, I know," I said ruefully. "Why she picked me of all people to be with, I will never understand."

Elladan chuckled, "Love certainly isn't logical. At least, that is what they say, as I have no experience in the area."

"Oh really?" I replied slyly. "You seemed pretty starry-eyed when you cast your gaze upon Munfaeril." Elladan threw his pillow at me, and I ducked, laughing at his flaming cheeks.

Before the likely pillow fight could escalate, Gwenaewen reappeared. She tapped her foot, trying to look exasperated, but the laughter in her eyes ruined the effect. "Now, is this how a full grown Ellon and Man act?"

We both looked at her a little timidly, "No, I suppose not," I said softly.

Gwenaewen let out a musical laugh, "I am only teasing! If we had the time, I would have joined you!"

Before either of us could respond to this surprising statement, she gave us a somewhat secretive smile, and her eyes were twinkling. "I have a surprise for you."

"What kind of surprise?" Elladan asked curiously.

"Well it wouldn't be a surprise if I told you," Gwenaewen replied with a grin. "Come along Elladan, you first."

The Ellon looked at me with some confusion before shrugging and following in Gwenaewen's wake. I waited impatiently, and noted a growing feeling of excitement, but was unsure what it meant.

Suddenly I heard a desperate cry, but it was not one of joy, and I knew it had come from Elladan. I tore out of the healing hall, but was restrained for a moment by Gwenaewen. I had to work very hard not to glare at her, as I was worried about my friend. "Not yet," she said firmly.

I went to respond in kind when I froze at the sound of a familiar voice. My eyes widened in shock as they looked into Gwenaewen's, and she grinned widely before inclining her head in the direction Elladan had gone.

I crept forward slowly, afraid what I desperately hoped to see would not be true.

Yet, there she was…my Gwin. I wanted to race to her side, but I walked as silently as I could, in order to surprise her.

As I approached, I heard Elladan whisper brokenly, "Then why does he not wake?" I took in Elrohir's appearance and almost gave away the game by gasping in shock. He looked horrible.

However, Gwin did not seem as concerned. "Perhaps he will shortly." I watched her look over at the Huntsman, who I had just noticed. He seemed completely at ease, and it made me feel a little better. If a Maia wasn't worried, then I had to trust Elrohir would be well.

Smiling widely with my heart beating fast, I slid into the open space next to Gwin and wrapped my arm around her waist. I felt her stiffen in surprise before she slowly turned her head to look at me…

…and I became lost in those beautiful green eyes of hers. It took much effort to speak, but my words sounded steady, "Hello, meleth nin."

In shock, she put her trembling hands on my face. She likely was afraid I wasn't real, and that it was all a dream.

Speaking of which, as she ran a hand through my hair and I relished in how good it felt, she whispered, "Candaith? Is this a dream?"

Unable to keep myself from staring at her beautiful face, I locked my gaze with hers, "Nay Gwin, I assure you I am alive and sitting next to you." My hand was shaking as I placed it upon her cheek, and I wiped away a tear as it fell.

In the next moment, everything felt right again as she kissed me.

Finally, they are reunited (from Candaith's perspective)! I hope you liked reading about how things went for Elladan and Candaith, as I enjoyed writing it.

I have decided to nix the sequel idea I was considering and just continue on with this story. It has gained traction over time, and as sad of a truth as it is, the review count of a story does catch the eye for prospective new readers. It's the way of things on this site to gravitate towards a story with lots of reviews, and although I've done better as a reader at giving every story with an interesting summary a chance regardless of reviews, most people don't.

Thanks for your feedback, it means a lot to me.