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ro781727 - Yes, Braigon is the one Legolas thought was a lot like Iamben. You asked earlier if that elleth's father (the elleth that danced with him at the feast ) knew Legolas was bonded to Shyloh and I never responded - apologies - but no, it's safe to say he didn't.

Hello new followers. Thank you for the comments, reviews and messages.

- S


- Chapter 57 -


She wanted him to stay.

Sensing her inner battle, he reached forward and snaked a hand around the back of her neck, drawing her closer to him. He wrapped his other hand around her waist and before she knew it his mouth found hers, and he didn't pull away until they were breathless and she was leaning against him.

Laying her head on his chest, she mumbled. "I don't want you to go."

He smiled and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. "I do not want to go, but I am needed back home."

He rested a cheek on the top of her head, and she linked her fingers together behind him. "When do you leave?"

"In two days."

She startled and drew away enough to look up at him. "Two days?"

A pained look crossed his eyes. "I know. It doesn't exactly give us much time."

"That doesn't give us any time." Suddenly angry, she wanted to pull away but he tightened his grip on her.

He ran a hand gently along her cheek once more and pressed his lips to her forehead. "Come back with me," his lips murmured against her skin. It sent a charge through her body and she almost missed what he said.

Blinking, she drew away and stared up at him. "What?"

A sheepish grin broke through his serious mask, and he let go a soft laugh. "I know you won't, but it doesn't hurt to try."

She sighed, and shook her head. "Stay," she said, then pressed herself into his chest once more, as if she could ground him here.

His grin widened and his arms tightened around her waist. He buried his face in her hair and inhaled, as if committing her scent to memory.

Two days felt awfully sudden, but then she realized she was being selfish. She'd only just discovered this side of him and now that she had him, she didn't want to let him go. Having him close by, even if they had been separated for various reasons, he made her feel safe and secure. Seeing his smile, holding his hand and (who was she kidding...) even his kisses and embraces had become something she'd grown too fond of.

"Stay," she whispered..

"One day, we will not be separated like this," he said quietly, and she squeezed her eyes closed.

That day, whenever it would be, suddenly seemed like a thousand years away.


The library of Lothlorien was exceptionally vast. Considering the city consisted of tree house type dwellings, the library was one of the few buildings on ground level, and for good reason. That wasn't without saying it didn't have its own unique elvish touches. The center of the library sported a grand staircase that wound its way around the smooth bark of a mallorn tree. It sprouted off at various levels, enticing her to get lost in the endless pages that attempted to snag her attention.

The grandeur of the library itself left Shyloh speechless, and she wondered why it had taken her so long to arrive here in the first place. She loved books and reading, but that wasn't technically why she was here.

She aimlessly wandered the rows of books, smelling the parchment and leather bindings with familiarity. Her footsteps were quiet and slow; hardly making a sound on the wooden floors. Comfortable looking armchairs attempted to pull her toward them, and she would have gladly done so if she wasn't on a mission already. Her time sitting and reading would have to wait for another day.

Aside from a stray elf or two, the library seemed completely deserted. On one hand she wasn't going to complain; she loved a quiet place to read. On the other, she was on a mission, and the one she was seeking had cleverly hidden himself away amongst the texts that covered each wall from top to bottom.

Somewhere in the seemingly endless hall, she would find the one she was looking for. She knew he would be there, no thanks to Sidhel's 'hunch.' The fabric of her lavender dress sifted across the wooden floor behind her, but her bare feet hardly made a sound. It didn't matter though, because his head tilted to the side just the slightest when he finally came into view, telling her he knew she was there.

He was of course on the top level, and with one foot crossed over his other knee, he seemed deeply engrossed with what he was reading. A faint smile played at the edges of her mouth when he looked up; unsurprised to see her.

"I should have known Sidhel would tell on me," he said quietly as he moved the text book that was opened in front of him away just a little.

Her smile faltered a tiny bit. "If you truly do not want to be found, perhaps you shouldn't tell someone where you're going."

He tilted his head to the side as if contemplating her advice. "I will have to do better next time."

She stopped walking, taking his words to heart and as a hint that he truly wanted to be alone. He saw her hesitate.

"I only mean I will simply have to bring you with next time, and not tell Sidhel anything," he said. "How foolish of me to think you wouldn't come find me."

"If you want to be alone I completely understand. I know you don't get much time to yourself." She took a step back, feeling like she was encroaching on his private time and that she was not wanted.

"Truer words have never been spoken," he said lightly. "But my time with you is limited, therefore, I could not choose a better way to spend it other than with you."

She blushed. "Are you flirting with me?"

He smirked. "Is it working?"

She shrugged a shoulder. "Perhaps."

"Then come and join me."

"Are you sure you don't want to be alone?" she asked, clearly hesitating, her voice laced with uncertainty.

"Come here," he said, and she took that as a no.

"What are you reading?" she asked, then realized there was only the one comfortable looking armchair in the corner, and he was in it.

He gave her a stern look and ignored her question.

"Come here," he demanded this time, and held out his hand. He apparently meant for her to sit on his lap and she grinned when she let him pull her down.

"I want a pony," she said in a very child like way as he drew her closer. She had the faint image of her being pulled onto Santa's lap as a child. "And a doll...and a pony for the doll..."

She sank down onto his lap as he drew an arm around her waist, but before she could say anything else, his lips were on hers and he drew her into a tender but sweet tasting kiss. Shyloh was completely caught off guard by the sudden closeness of their bodies and the taste of his lips, that she literally forgot to breath. When he drew away she found herself gasping. She fit against him perfectly, and it made her skin flush when he tucked her into him.

His eyes drifted up to look into hers. "I believe you came looking for me?" he said with a small grin.

She blinked. "I did?"

He laughed. "I think so, unless you've come in search of someone else?"

"Oh, yes," she sighed playfully. "I was looking for this guy. Have you seen him? He's leaving soon; I think I'm going to miss him."

He tilted his head to the side thoughtfully. "You'll have to describe him."

"Well, he's about this tall," she leveled her hand out along the top of his head. "And I hear he's pretty good with a bow..."

Legolas drew her in for a quick kiss before she could continue, his eyes watching her lips as she spoke.

"And he's a pretty nice guy..."

Another kiss.

"And our fates are kind of intertwined..."

This kiss was more passionate than the chaste kisses he'd just given her, and she sensed a hunger as he pressed her closer to him more firmly. When they drew apart, they were both breathless, and he touched his forehead to hers and closed his eyes for a moment, as if he had to compose himself.

"I believe you were asking about some other fellow?"

She smirked. "Was I?"

He sighed. "I did not mean to distract you."

"Yes you did. You didn't want to share me with someone else. Mission accomplished; I've officially forgotten what I wanted to see him about." She had no idea where that came from, and her face heated up with embarrassment. Lord, was she awful at flirting.

He grinned at first then he grew serious. "I am most definitely not going to share you, Nimbrethil," he said, his tone deepening that it sent a shiver down her spine.

"I don't share either," she muttered, pressing her cheek against his.

Were relationships supposed to move this fast? Okay, they were fated, but should she be feeling these butterflies fluttering around her stomach like this? Was the possessiveness in his tone just now something she should find concerning instead of appealing? She wasn't sure, but she knew her heart was racing. She'd only come to spend time reading with him, not making out while sitting on his lap.

Although, she couldn't say she was disappointed.

If someone were to find them sitting like this, kissing and holding each other so closely, would it break some sort of code of conduct? They weren't technically dating per se but they were soulmates. Did they just skip all that in between stuff? Sitting this close to him with his arms wrapped snugly around her was certainly an added bonus, and only a few weeks ago she would have never even dreamt of being in this kind of situation so suddenly, but the pull toward him was almost impossible to escape from. Well, especially since finding out she only had a day and a half left with him before he left and more than likely never came back.

"Did you know you would be leaving so soon?" she asked after she snuggled her head into the crook of his neck and shoulder.

He seemed to hesitate before answering. "I've known for a week that we would have to depart so soon, so yes."

She frowned and drew her head away to look at him. "How come you only just told me yesterday?"

He sighed and looked away, and she could tell he was feeling guilty before he even said anything. "I did not know how to break the news to you. We planned on staying at least another two weeks but things have come up and our departure cannot be delayed any longer. I am needed back home."

Her lips formed a thin line. "You should have told me earlier. I would have tried to see you more or," she shrugged shyly. "something."

His sad smile only made her frown even more. "I am sorry Nimbrethil," he said, and kissed her forehead tenderly. "You are right, I should have told you. Telling you I have to leave is not an easy task."

"I knew you would have to leave eventually," she said quietly. "Just feels like we just got here, that's all."

He nodded. "If you recall, I should not be here at all. Despite the circumstances and what you went through, part of me is glad I am here. Forgive me. It feels like very little time has passed since our arrival, but a few weeks is only a small amount of time for an elf."

She shook her head. "I'll never be able to come to terms with that," she laughed a little uneasily. "Immortality. Such a hard thing to grasp in my eyes."

He pulled a hand up to draw her white hair back from her face, the skin of his fingers brushing against her cheek, sending a shiver down the length of her neck and through her core. She closed her eyes at the sensation and leaned into his touch. She didn't want him to stop. His touch was becoming intoxicating. Apparently he had the same idea she did, because his lips eagerly found hers once again.

His fingers tangled in her white hair at the nape of her neck, pulling her to him hungrily. She reacted instantly, opening her mouth and letting him in. She couldn't get enough of him, and wrapped an arm around his neck. The hand on her waist pulled her hips into him.

A cough broke them apart suddenly, breaking the spell and she almost jumped a mile high. She should have known it would be too good to last. Sidhel stood awkwardly by the stairs, looking anywhere but at the two of them; a smirk playing on his lips.

"What?" asked Legolas in a demanding way, his eyes closing in frustration. He was clearly disappointed with the interruption, but she at least was satisfied that she wasn't the only one.

Her face flamed red when Sidhel finally managed to spare them a sneaky glance, and she would have jumped up off of Legolas' lap if his arms hadn't suddenly tightened around her, preventing any possible escape. Was it okay they were sitting like this? Was it normal for two elves who were not married to be so intertwined with the other? If not, did she care?...

"Well, I have to say it's about time," Sidhel said quickly, gesturing to the two of them. If her face was red before, it was nothing to how it probably looked now.

"What do you want?" Legolas asked slowly, but the smirk on Sidhel's face only grew at his Prince's agitation.

"We are working on the preparations for our departure, but Lord Braigon wished to speak with you once more," explained Sidhel, his smile faltering just the slightest.

Legolas' head fell back against the top of the chair, clearly frustrated with the news. "When is he expecting to meet with me?"

"Now, if you are free," said Sidhel. "Or, shall I tell him you are presently unavailable with more urgent matters?"

"If you go home without him," Shyloh murmured, her expression darkening. "Will anyone notice? There's shovels in the stables."

Legolas' angry eyes suddenly danced with amusement.

"Don't kill the messenger," Sidhel said defensively, holding his hands in front of him and backing away a step.

"He does come in handy on occasion," Legolas said thoughtfully as he considered his friend.

"If you insist," she sighed.

Sidhel shook his head and sent her a mocking glare. "What did I ever do to you, my Lady?"

"You interrupted," she quipped, which made Legolas chuckle. "Now away with you, peasant, you annoy."

Sidhel scoffed and clutched a hand to his heart. "First there was one bossy royal, now there are two. Whatever shall we do?"

With that, he disappeared out of sight before Legolas could chuck the text book he held only moments ago at his friend.

When she finally turned to look back at Legolas, she found him watching her with a soft expression on his face, much unlike the angry and annoyed look he wore only moments ago.

"Do you have to go?" she asked, half expecting him to jump up and be on his way.

He regarded her for another moment before shaking his head. "I think Lord Braigon can wait." His nose brushed up against hers and the butterflies swirled in her stomach again. "I can think of something more important."

She grinned. "Where were we?"


The last days of Legolas' visit flew by faster than Shyloh could blink. Before she knew it, she was standing by the front gates while he checked his horse one last time. The hem of her silver dress from Mirkwood ruffled in the sharp breeze that made its way to them from the west. Clouds hid any sign of the sun in the early morning, casting the forest into a dull, grey swirl of colors. She'd worn the dress as a farewell gesture.

She reached up to rub the muzzle of his horse, who blew a breath of hot air over her skin. Sidhel and Nodron were immersed with their own horses, and the two representatives only just arrived with their mounts.

Legolas sidled up to her then, running his hand along the length of the horse's neck. He looked down at her and met her eyes. Once again they were forced to say their goodbyes, but this time she was certain they would not be reunited for a long time.

How unfair, she thought sadly. They spent their last night snuggling together in his apartment, staring out the open windows at the night sky, talking – or not – and relishing in their last moments together. She didn't know when she'd see him next, and it was weighing on her heavily, like part of her soul was leaving with him. Well, it practically was.

The crowd that gathered to wish the Prince and his companions farewell was rather large. It was amazing how many people flocked to see the departure of the Prince of Mirkwood. It only reminded her how important he was in the world of elves. Once various goodbyes were said to those Legolas was acquainted with, was when he'd brought his horse from the stables and when the reality of the situation sank in with her fully.

He was leaving.

When Shyloh looked around the clearing, her eyes briefly landed on a small group of ellith. Their eyes and hushed whispers lingered on Legolas, of course, and her lips formed a thin line. It was bad enough they drooled and gawked at him when she wasn't standing directly in front of him, but to do it when she was right there? The jealousy that flared within her wasn't something she could keep at bay. He was a Prince, after all, and a handsome one at that; why wouldn't they stare and drool over him? She should feel flattered that other women found him just as attractive as she did, but there was so much more to him than just his looks.

For crying out loud, he saved her life four different times. He'd risked his life to ensure she was safe more than he should have. He rode hundreds of miles to find her in the wilderness so she could be delivered safely to Lothlorien. He was the future King of Mirkwood, a captain of the guard, and a warrior all wrapped up in one ridiculously handsome body.

"It is not them I am worried about," he said in a hushed tone rather close to her ear. When she turned her head back around, she realized he'd drawn closer to her.

She knew he was referring to the she-elves that stood staring unashamedly in their direction, because his eyes darted to them and then back to her. Her face flushed, because if he was talking about the other she-elves, then he must have seen the uncertain look in her eyes.

"Who exactly are you worried about then?" she wondered, and he gave her a serious look. Was that doubt or uncertainty she saw flash in his eyes?

He raised an eyebrow. "You honestly do not see them watch you?"

She frowned in confusion. "Who?"

He leaned in closer and she felt a chill go up her arms when his breath brushed across her skin. "Any of them."

She smirked, although her heart wasn't really in the joking mood. "You worried one of them will snatch me up while you're gone?"

His eyes darkened. "I am doing everything in my power not to throw you up on the back of my horse and take you home with me; please don't tempt me anymore than you just did."

Before she could register the meaning behind his words, he cupped her face in his hands and pressed his lips to hers in a long and passionate kiss for the entire clearing to witness. If there was anyone staring, she forgot about them completely as his hands wove themselves into her hair. Her mind went blank but her heart was on fire.

If there was any doubt in Lothlorien regarding the rumors that spread about the two of them being soulmates, it was suddenly put to rest. The rumors were now confirmed.

She raised an eyebrow. "So sure of yourself are you?" she asked quietly, and his grin widened.

"Confident." He kissed her forehead once before drawing away for the last time.

That cocky little...

Mounting, the others in his company followed suit and with one last look at her, Shyloh watched the five of them ride out of the city, and she felt her heart slightly break. Odd, how attached she'd become during their time together over the last month, and even when Sidhel and Nodron gave her a small hug earlier she knew she'd miss their friendship too.

An arm draped itself over her shoulders while the crowd disbursed around the clearing. She didn't notice the jealous stares or looks of longing sent in her direction by the elves that witnessed their kiss, because her eyes looked up to meet Elladan's. He gave her shoulder a squeeze, then steered her around and they fell into step with Elrohir.

"Well that was sneaky of him, wasn't it?" grumbled Elrohir, and he shot a look over his shoulder at the gates that were now closing.

Shyloh's face reddened as Elladan huffed a reply, but she couldn't stop the smile that played on the edges of her lips.

"It'll be the talk of the city now," Elladan said, his eyes following a group that was now heading in a different direction.

"Is that so bad?" she asked, and Elrohir shrugged.

"He's just marking his territory, that's all," Elrohir said, and her face really flamed then.

"Ex – excuse me?" she sputtered, and they chuckled. She knew he kissed her in front of half the city on purpose but still, when Elrohir put it like that, it just sounded all wrong.

"Took him long enough," muttered Elladan.

She shrugged out of Elladan's embrace. "You make me sound like I'm an object," she snapped.

"Of course you're not," said Elrohir with a frown.

"He just didn't want any ellon getting any ideas while he was gone, that's all," said Elladan with a shrug. "And aside from throwing you on the back of the horse like he wanted to and taking you with him, I think he handled himself fairly well."

She rolled her eyes. "He had nothing to worry about to begin with," she said quickly, but the twins grimaced.

"It was only rumors and speculation that the two of you were together. Now everyone knows the rumors are true that you two are soulmates."

"And that you're the future Queen of the Woodland Realm," added Elrohir, and she knew she would never get used to hearing those words. "No one would dare try to challenge him now."

She drew in a deep breath. She knew they were just trying to put it into perspective for her. Her future was Mirkwood; she'd known that ever since she found out the two of them were soulmates. Now everyone would know she wasn't just a Princess of Rivendell.

But, despite what others thought, a Queen she was not.


Shyloh's steps were quiet as she stepped down a flight of stone stairs. The chill of the evening bit at her through the fabric of her dress, and her bare feet were cold as they landed on the stone beneath her. Greenery bloomed around the path in a silvery haze but she hardly noticed it. Legolas was gone, and even though she knew he was going to leave at some point, she had a hard time grasping the time they did have together.

She couldn't deny she was sad. He was her soulmate after all, and they had only just gotten to know each other, and she was going to miss him like crazy. Elladan and Elrohir attempted to lighten the mood at supper, and even Arwen tried to spend girl time with her, but Shyloh's sullen mood was obvious so she excused herself and left the canopy of trees for the forest floor. She let her feet wander where they will while her thoughts grew heavy and wearisome on her mind.

"I have been waiting for you." The voice startled her so much that she almost faltered on the last step. With a quick recovery, she steadied herself before she could fall face first into the dirt. Twisting her head around, Lady Galadriel offered her a soft smile.

"My Lady," Shyloh said, bowing her head respectively. "I was not expecting to meet anyone. I apologize if I interrupted you."

Galadriel's smile grew but she didn't look upset. "You are certainly not interrupting. I have felt your sorrow and unease the last couple of days."

Shyloh's face reddened. "I was so certain Lothlorien was where I was supposed to be."

"And now that he is gone, you are not so sure." Galadriel didn't question her, but her smile never wavered. "You were right to come here, Nimbrethil."

"Honestly, I'm not sure why I'm here to begin with."

A light laugh escaped Galadriel's lips, and she closed the distance between the two of them. "You are here to train and learn. You are here to grow and discover who you really are."

"Who am I?" Shyloh asked, suddenly feeling disheartened.

"You are Shyloh Elizabeth Hanson and Princess of Númenor and Rivendell," Galadriel said easily, as if it should have been obvious.

Shyloh shook her head. "Shyloh Elizabeth Hanson can't exist here," she said firmly, but Galadriel gave her a sad look.

"And why is that?"

Shyloh looked away, unable to take the gaze of the Lady much longer. She started walking and the she-elf fell into step with her.

"Because the girl I was there, can't exist here. The things I did, the things I talked about, the places I went, the family I had are all non existent in Arda. Now I'm just Shyloh. Or I guess Nimbrethil. I guess it doesn't really matter what people call me, it's the same person."

"Yes, and no. Shyloh Elizabeth Hanson is a young woman with ambitions to heal others. She is a daughter, a sister, a friend, and those things have not changed."

"I was not a Princess or a warrior there. Well, scratch the warrior part in general, because I'm pretty sure that's not something I can call myself."

"Not yet."

"Probably not ever."

"Do not doubt yourself so," Galadriel said gently. "It will only lead you down the wrong path. You are meant for great things."

"Like what?"

"Even I cannot tell you, however," Galadriel's voice drifted off mysteriously, and that was when Shyloh realized they stopped walking.

In front of them was a stone vanity of sorts, and settled inside the middle of the surface was a glossy bowl.

Galadriel turned to her with a curious look. "Will you look into the mirror?"