Oh, I know. Took me long enough! LOL. Sorry about that but I've been trying to concentrate on some of my original works. Hopefully I can finally finish one so I can attempt to get it published. Well, here is another chapter. Mush alert! Plenty of kissy's and groping. LOL! Hopefully I've written it in a tasteful and enjoyable manner. Oh, I have not run this through my beta reader so any misspellings or grammar mistakes I ask that you please overlook. A lot of hugs and love to all of those wonderful reviewers. You guys are the best!

Hidden Treasures

Chapter Six

            The forest was alive with life, the song of the birds singing heavily within the air. Sunlight broke through the high tree limbs, warming the ground and travelers bellow. It was like being immersed into a whole new world. This place she knew well, she had spent so many times exploring these forests, losing herself within its beauty. Only this time she was not going to turn around and go back home, this time she was going to go further than she had ever gone before.

            Allia felt secure about her decision to travel with Legolas, his presence a welcome to her long-lived seclusion. She had never really fit in Orna. The people of that village always seemed so closed minded and treated her as an outsider. Throughout all the years that she had lived there, not once did she ever really feel as if she belonged there. It was not easy being orphaned at such a young age of eight and living on ones own. She had to grow up rather quickly. She had always wondered at why no one had taken her in and why they allowed her to live on her own.

            The forest was invigorating, the trees singing out to him as he made his way lightly through the forest. Allia was keeping up with his swift pace with ease and it made him wonder how it was that she could do so. If he did not know better he would think that she was an elf but her features were too human for that to be true.

            Pausing he looked back towards Allia, who was almost right behind him, "We will be reaching the river soon."

            Allia nodded, "I know but how will we cross? I know of no crossing in this area."

            He grinned, "I have a boat hidden from when I first crossed."

            "Oh," she smiled, "how long will we be traveling today?"

            Walking side by side, Legolas looked to her, studying her profile as they continued onward, "When the sun sets we will stop to make camp. Until then we still have a long journey ahead of us."

            Looking over to Legolas she blushed as she caught him watching her, he had been doing that a lot. She smiled shyly before looking anywhere but towards him least she finds herself lost within his gaze. As her eyes scanned over the trees that surrounded and loomed above them, she did not watch where she was walking and tripped over a thick tree root that was protruding from the ground. Luckily, before she could fall flat on her face, strong arms were wrapped around her.

            Allia found her face pressed into, which could only be, Legolas chest and her hands gripping his muscled arms. She found herself in a rather awkward position. Blushing furiously at her clumsiness, it took her a moment to force herself to look up and found herself breathing harder.

            Catching her before she could fall completely, Legolas found himself holding her in a way that made her body press against him in the most appealing of ways. He dare not move and as she looked up his breath caught in his throat.

            To Legolas, she looked innocently alluring. Her emerald green pools were wide with innocent embarrassment, cheeks flushing her milky skin an appealing rosy shade, and tendrils of her brown hair falling across her face where it had come lose from her braid. Most of all her lips were parted in a way that called for him to touch them with his own.

            Seeing him grinning down at her with a sparkle within his eyes, her breath caught in her throat as his face lowered towards hers. This had happened so many times but every time was like her first making her feel more alive than she had ever felt before. His lips were as soft as rose petals and his skin smelled of forest and wilderness and he tasted of cinnamon and spices.

            Allia found herself in a swarm of sensations, each taste each caress making her want to give of herself to him fully. She felt as if she were floating, merging within his embrace. Mere words could never come close to how this closeness to him made her feel. If she had forever, she could spend it all with him and in that realization of the intensity of her feelings towards this elf that she had just met only a few days ago sent a serge of fear to her heart.

            As if sensing this, Legolas pulled away from the kiss but still holding her close. One hand caressed her cheek and his eyes searched her face as if memorizing every indentation, every curve, and every feature as if to permanently burn her face into memory.

His smile warmed her soul and his voice was equally soothing, "Why are you afraid?"

Taking in a deep breath she closed her eyes, "I don't know. It's…something always happens to the ones I allow in my heart."

He pulled her into his arms, his hand stroking her back in a soothing embrace, "Ah, a'maelamin my beloved, no one will take me away from you. My heart is already yours and there is nothing that will keep me from you. I will not allow it."

Tightening her arms around him she whispered against his chest, "but my parents probably felt the same and they left me. I was only eight Legolas. Fate has not been kind to those who have loved me."

He closed his eyes at this. To lose your family at such a young age, it was no wonder she feared to love so. Breathing in the fragrance of her hair, he pressed his lips against its softness.

Pulling away from her, he held her face between his hands, his eyes boring into hers, "I am sorry for the pain that you have had to live with but to allow it to stop you from loving… a'maelamin, to live without love is to not live at all. Please do not close your heart to me."

His words touched her heart deeply. Nodding she pulled herself to him, her arms tightening around him. How could she close her heart to him when he was already there? Though she still feared it, she would not deny it.

Pulling away she smiled up to him, her hands coming up to touch the soft skin of his cheek, his lips. Leaning forward she brushed her lips against his causing him to suck in his breath quickly and his arms to tighten around her.

Lips only inches from his she whispered against them, her hot breath mingling with his she softly told him, "I know that I have only known you a short span of time but I could never close my heart to you because you are already there. I love you Legolas."

Eyes closing, heart soaring, his lips descended to hers. First the touch of his lips was soft and tender against her lips. Tongue tracing her lower lip he waited for her to allow him entrance and did so as she opened up to him. He could not get enough of the taste of her, berries and vanilla. By the Valar he wanted her more than ever. With strength he did not know he had, Legolas pulled away. This was neither the time nor the place.

Stroking her cheeks with his thumbs, he kissed each closed lid then her nose and pulled away watching as her eyes opened to his. The love he saw there pulled at his soul and it took all of his strength to step away.

A moment of silence, they both gazed at the other before he broke the silence, "The River awaits."

They had long ago crossed the river and had walked quite a distance before the sun started to set in the horizon. Wanting to push a little further while they still had light they continued on. He knew of a clearing up ahead that would be perfect for camp and star gazing. Hopefully they could spend more time getting to know each other and exploring their love for one another.

A thrill had flooded her senses since they had crossed the river. The trees and wilderness that surrounded them seemed different. It was hard for her mind to explain but it was as if the very air was different. The smell, the sounds, it was as if the very life that surrounded them were singing a different song.

For the first time in a long time she felt safe, like she was coming home. It should have seemed odd but somehow she knew it to be right. Maybe it was the fact that Legolas awoke something new within her or the fact that she was actually going somewhere to find out the truth about her abilities. When they had finally came to a clearing where Legolas told her they were to make camp, Allia was far from tired and told him as much.

In the midst of starting a fire, Legolas smiled as she told him this, "Trust me, a'maelamin my beloved, if we do not rest now you will feel tired tomorrow."

Sitting, she rested her back against the log of a fallen tree, "I know, it's just... I don't know, for the first time in my life I feel free." Fingers playing with the blades of grass at her side she continued, "I know it sounds silly."

Fire made, Legolas sat besides her taking her hand in his. Kissing the back of it he regarded her with a warm smile upon his lips, "Not at all."

Her eyes were a glitter of joy, "Do you really think that they will be able to help me?"

"Yes," he answered as his eyes gazed at the night sky.

Resting against the log, Allia looked to the stars that started to appear above them. She always loved the night. She was becoming increasingly aware of his touch as his thumb was slowly moving in circles against the inside of her palm. Becoming quite distracted by this, her eyes could not keep its focus on the sky and drifted towards the elf that sat beside her.

Seeing that he was gazing up at the sky above, she took this time to study his features that were aglow with the firelight and some inner light that seemed to glow from within himself. Legolas was beautiful, unlike any man that she had ever seen but then again he was no man but an elf. Allia wondered if all elves were this beautiful. His hair was so fair and looked as soft as she knew it felt. He had a striking face with well defined cheekbones, an adorable mouth (Allia grinned at this thought), and his eyes of blue drew her in like no other. She could never tire at looking at him.

Knowing that she was studying him, he allowed her a few more moments before he turned his head towards her, catching her gaze. She looked lovely in the firelight, her eyes sparkling like two emerald jewels. Reaching towards the perfection of her skin, he cupped her cheek within his hand and leaned forwards.

Eyes closing she met him half way as she leaned towards him, her hands rested against his strong chest. Lips met, his as soft as rose petals with the taste of cinnamon and spices. She found herself leaning into him, his arms securely wrapped around her waste pulling her towards him, falling slowly back against the softness of the grass.

At some point in time during the kiss he had undone her braid and her hair was now billowing out in waves around her. Hands rested against her waist, his thumbs began stroking small circles against her sides. Allia shivered at the sensations, one hand resting against his chest as the other stroked his cheek.

Moving from the wonder that was her mouth Legolas nibbled at the base of the throat causing her to gasp out in surprise. Lips lingering there he slowly pulled up and away, resting on his elbow as he gazed down at her.

She was trembling, her lips parted and her breathing heavy. She was shocked at the sound that came from her mouth and was a bit embarrassed by it. As he pulled away and gazed down at her, the love and need that she saw within his eyes made her instantly forget about any embarrassment. Eyes gazing over his eyes, nose, and then mouth she reached up to caressed his cheek, loving the feel of his smooth skin.

He smiled down at the vision before him, she was beautiful almost too beautiful to be mortal. There was something different about her, something he had noticed since they had left her village. Her eyes seemed more vibrant and there was an inner light that seemed to be growing more and more.

Catching her hand in his, he turned it within his grasp and kissed the inside of her wrist. Watching her reaction to this, her eyes darkened and her tongue snaked out to wet her suddenly dry lips. At her look of desire, he leaned forward slowly tasting her lips, waiting for her lips to part before he deepened the kiss.

As he kissed the inside of her wrist she felt something within herself burn, a need for something more calling out to him with her eyes. The taste of his lips and as he deepened the kiss, their tongues instinctively dancing with each other, caused the burn within to rise. What ever it was that he was doing to her she did not wish for him to stop.

Moving her hands from his shoulders, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself closer to him. She felt in awe at these new feelings and sensations. Though she was beginning to feel faint and out of breath she did not wish for it to stop.

Oh by the Valar, the feel of her body pressing more securely to his body was maddening. Legolas desperately wanted less clothing to separate them from each other. He wanted to touch her soft skin, remove her clothing so that he could cup her soft breast and feel them fill his hands. He had to remind himself that this was new to her, that he should slow down but Valar he did not want to end their embrace just yet!

Her eyes opened as she felt his lips move from her lips as they trailed a path down her jaw line, the curve of her throat. She gazed at the stars that shown brightly above, her hands entangled into the softness of his hair.

Breathlessly she called out, "Legolas, what is this that you do to me?"

He grinned against her throat, his teeth grazing lightly against the skin there. Allia arched beneath him a moan escaping her lips. He paused as he felt her stiffen, startled by the sound that she made.

"Le…Legolas, too much. I…" she was confused, what was this feeling?

Gently placing his finger to her lips he smiled down to her, "Shh," leaning forward he softly brushed his lips against hers, "We do not have to do anything that you feel uncomfortable with."

Allia bit her lower lip, "You are not mad at me?"

He cupped her cheek, "Oh Allia, I am anything but angry with you. I will wait as long as you need me too. I only wish to please you. If you are not ready then I will wait."

//AN: Ah, isn't he just sweet! ::buzzing on sugar high:: Woohoo! Would I have stopped him? Hell No! ::laughs:: Um, sorry, too much mushiness needed some comic relief. ::gets hit in the back of head by invisible elf:: Owe! Hey, all right, all right! Now back to the scene.//

Biting her lower lip, she traced the curve of his jaw, "I am truly blessed to have met you."

He smiled down at her, "As am I."

"Tell me… when do we eat?" she asked with a grin.

Legolas laughed. "What, am I not enough to appease your hunger?" he teased.

Playfully hitting his arm, she blushed, "Unless you wish to hear my stomach complain all through the night we should eat some food."

Standing, with fluid grace, Legolas held out his hand to her and helped her to stand. Bowing to her he swept his arm in front of him, "As my lady wishes."

His antics made her laugh and she sat closely by the fire as he got them some bread and water from his pack. Accepting the offered food they continued the night eating and talking before Allia retired for the night while Legolas watched over their camp and her.

Mist surrounded her, the sound of laughter in the distance filling the air. Straining her eyes, she attempted to peer through the mist. It slowly started to thin but all that could be seen were two figures a man and a woman, both their voices clear.

"Galion," a woman's voice laughed, "Allia is not ready for that yet."

"Elráwien," a mans voice answered, "she is at the perfect age to begin training. She is already showing potential."

"Mommy, I am big girl now. I can do it," a child's voice confidently said.

"I know you are, anim tithen mîr my little treasure, but I feel that it is not yet time for you to learn." The woman's voice was gentle and soothing like a flowing brook.

A roar filled the air, laughter turning into a child's scream. The woman's voice strong yet desperately calls, "Cell, Allia, car-ú tir-ad. CELL! Run, Allia, do not look back. RUN!"

"GALION!"

"MELAMIN MY LOVE NO!"

Stirring from troubled dreams, Allia whimpered in her sleep. A gentle touch to her face and arm began to break her out from her troubled dreams. Starting from sleep, Allia sat up quickly, wrapping her arms around her knees as she drew them up against her chest.

Wrapping his arms around her for comfort, Legolas brushes her disheveled hair from her face, "Allia?"

Dropping her knees from her chest she turned within his arms, burying her face within his chest. Her heart was slowly starting to calm from its racing beat, the feel of him holding her helping her to calm the fear that had bombarded her at the last part of her dream.

"I… my parents. I… I was there when they died. It was a dream but I know it was real. She told me to run. I was so scared. Oh Legolas! It was horrible!" tears were streaming down her cheeks. Why did she dream about this now? Why after so many years of not remembering her past is it coming back to the surface now? If this was her hidden memory's she did not wish to remember that horrible day.

Whispering soothing words in her ear, he stroked her hair waiting for her to calm. It pained him to see her so distressed. Rocking her back and forth he waited for the tremors to stop.

Loosening her hold on him, Allia pulled away slightly, looking up into his concerned blue eyes. In a whisper she told him, "I remember their names. My father's name was Galion and my mother's was Elráwien. Legolas, why did my mother have an Elvin name?"

He pulled her to him, kissing her temple, "I do not know. It is not uncommon for some mortal's to have Elvin names."

Allia pulled away, her head moving slowly from side to side, "No, she spoke to me in Sindarin. If she were mortal why would she speak in that language?"

He studied her face, his fingers tracing the curve of her ears. She looked too human to be even half Elvin but then… He was not sure. Could she be? Legolas stroked her cheeks, "I know not the answers you seek, melamin my love. But I think that whatever has kept you from remembering is being lifted. We shall have more answers when we get to Rivendell. If you are indeed half Elvin, then Lord Elrond will be able to see it. He is wise and has abilities that allows him to see what others can not."

Exhausted from the emotions that the dreams/memories she had experienced, she fought against her eyelids as they started to droop with fatigue. Seeing this, Legolas leaned back against the tree pulling her to lie against his chest. She fought against the exhaustion but allowed herself to lean back against his chest.

Stroking her hair he whispered in her ear, "Sleep, a'maelamin my beloved, I shall guard your dreams."

Wanting to protest, she knew that it was useless, as her body would not listen to her mental pleas. Feeling soothing warmth from his touch, her eyes drifted closed and her breathing slowed as she drifted off into a dreamless sleep.

Holding her protectively within his arms, Legolas gazed out into the night his thoughts on what she had just told him. This added to his suspicion about her heritage. Could it be that she was half Elvin and half Ithron? He shook his head, there was more to this. He only hoped that Lord Elrond would be able to provide them with answers.

AN: Well, what did you think? Ithron means wizard in Sindarin. At least I think it does, I got it from a Sindarin dictionary online. Well some of the mystery is starting to come to the surface. Hmm, what exactly happened to her parents that day and why? What will this mean for Allia?

Um, about the little author's note there in the middle. Hehe I thought I'd keep it. I mean there is only so much of this romantic mush that I can dish out without going insane. Um, I'll try not to do it too often ::grins:: Well, unless I go and buy me a helmet with extra choosy padding. Dang those elves can hit hard! ::rubs back of head::

So leave me with your thoughts and opinions but please don't be too harsh. Please press the little button bellow and leave a contribution in the review box. Thank you.