RATING: PG-13

DISCLAIMER: The characters from Lord of the Rings and their wonderful world are borrowed from J.R.R. Tolkien. The plotline and all other characters are copyright 2002 Emily (emi_kins@yahoo.com)

13.

"It will only be a matter of time," said Dimnarion to himself. He had felt the tremble of Elenath's body as he held her near in those abominable Elven dances. She, just like every other female he had seduced, found him irresistible. He was confident that he could have had her in his bed this very night had he chosen to do so. But no. This was far too important to botch with his carnal desires. This one was strong-willed and, it seemed, virtuous as well. For one night he might have had her – yes. But then who know what might happen? She would regret and Elrond would have his head. No. It was too soon now, but his time was coming. And when it did come, he would take what he wanted – with or without her permission.

He chuckled darkly and pulled a leather pouch from its hiding place beneath the clothing in his dresser. Grimleaf – just the thing to slip into her food and drink to keep her weak enough that she would not be able to fight back so much.

"My thanks to you, Lady Galadriel," he murmured, tossing the pouch up into the air and then catching it.

***

An early spring chill filled the night air as Elenath wondered the paths of Rivendell. Here she paused to listen to the songs of the newly awakened trees, and there she tarried to gaze heavenward at the glittering stars. Presently, the trees drew her into their song once more and her sweet voice lifted to join them.

"O lovers fair beneath our boughs

Think not of worldly sorrow

But feed your hearts with passion sweet

Fear not your hearts to follow

Away the sun and silver moon

May darkness hide you safely

As love's first kiss does grace your lips

And seal your fate completely."

She wondered, as she walked for whom the trees sang, for many lovers were sure to be afoot this night. It was always so after a Royal banquet.

Not wishing to encounter any such couples, Elenath left the path, careful not to snag her gown in the dense underbrush. For a long while she walked along, and before she even realized where she was going, found herself at the edge of a glassy pond – its surface broken only by the long stream of water pouring down from a rock face on its western end. This was her favorite place – a place that no one else knew about. Of course she would come here without thinking. Eagerly, she leapt from rock to rock, her footfalls utterly silent in the moonlight. Droplets from the waterfall clung to her skin and chilled her slightly, but it mattered not.

Soon, her feet were upon the narrow path carved into the rock face and she ducked behind the waterfall, smiling as she heard the cascading water laugh its way down the rocks. Looking out at the beauty of her world at nighttime, she stepped backward into the hidden cave there and bumped into something. Something warm and soft with strong arms that reached out to steady her. The gentle scent of sandalwood and sage washed over her, and she knew at once who she had run into. Still, she was so startled that his name came out as a terrified shriek.

"Prince Legolas!" She spun to face the wide-eyed Elf and stepped backward, losing her footing on the edge of the rock and grasping wildly at the air in a desperate attempt to stop herself from falling into the cold water below.

Legolas gasped, reaching out to her, catching one flailing hand with his own and reaching franticly around her waist with the other. Finally achieving a firm grip, he pulled her into the safety of his embrace. "Forgive me," he said, holding her close until she regained her footing. "I did not intend to frighten you."

She trembled slightly in his arms as she recovered from the close call and then looked up into his eyes, stepping away. "I… I didn't expect to find anyone here…. Thank you for catching me."

He said nothing. Indeed, it seemed that he had lost his ability to speak as he gazed at her, his eyes never straying from her lovely face.

"You came here seeking solitude," she said softly, moving as if to leave. "Forgive me for disturbing you."

She was about to duck back out of the cave when she felt the warmth of his hand closing around her own.

"Please," he said, finding his voice at last. "Please do not leave, Princess. Actually… the trees told me that I might find you here."

"The trees!"

He nodded. "They know much more than most would imagine."

"And why, Prince Legolas, did you seek to find me?"

For that he had no answer. He paused, looking at the smooth rock floor of the cave. "I don't know," he finally said, "except that my heart leaps each time that I see you, and I know not what to do about it."