Author's note: Thanks to all who reviewed! I'm happy she's back with Boromir, too! (Sorry, Legolas fans, although he is still fine!)

To Lirawen: Your points are very good, but this is a story and I'm working on very relaxed guidelines to make the story the way I want it to be. And as far as there being too much romance, the main category listed is "romance" so it goes to follow that would be the major theme. I appreciate your input, however, and thanks so much for reviewing!

Hope you all enjoy this chapter!

Elenya by Shelly

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE


At a glance from her, Boromir stepped outside to give them some privacy but didn't go far as he wished to stay by her side. Lillisandra stepped up to Legolas and took his hands in hers, looking up into his eyes and for the first time not feeling the thrill that had always coursed through her before. "There is much that needs to be said between us and none of it good."

"What is it?" he asked, the suspension killing him. "Just tell me."

She sighed as she pondered where to begin. "Do you remember me telling you that Elenya had the same persuasions to guard against as the One Ring did?" He nodded. "Basically ever since I first saw you in Rivendell she has been manipulating my emotions and making me think that I was falling in love with you in order to keep me from Boromir. I had always wondered why whenever I was close to him I was unable to think of anything else but when I was with you it was the same. That was her trying to make me feel the same emotions around you that I felt around him and she succeeded but was unable to make it last whenever we were apart. And I also believe that what happened last night was her trying to find a way to make me miss you whenever we were apart. You see, we were pawns in a game being played by both sides."

He looked deep into her eyes and saw that she spoke the truth as he sensed a different manner about her as she seemed more sure of herself than she had since she had left Rivendell. It angered him that Elenya had played such a cruel game with their hearts, but at the same time he was saddened by the thought that she had never loved him at all.

"Legolas, I know that you must think that I don't love you but I do. It's just like the love that is shared between two close friends. And I will never forget the times we spent together," she added with a smile.

He returned her smile though it was touched with a bit of sadness. "Surely she must have had something to work on."

"She did," she replied. "Only it is different between us than it is between Boromir and I. You remember what I said to you the night I left Rivendell? Even though there are those that may touch my heart, my love will always remain with him as I can love no other the same."

He smiled once more and brought her hand up to kiss the back of it. "Then I wish you both all the happiness you deserve."

It saddened her heart to see him so sad but she knew that it was for the best. She followed him outside to watch him disappear into the shadows of the trees, sighing when she felt a pair of strong arms wrap themselves around her gently. "I feel so guilty for doing this to him."

"I know. It is never easy dealing with matters of the heart." She heard him laugh softly. "Just look at us."

She laughed also. "I know. We have been through alot since we have been together, haven't we?"

He turned her in his arms so she faced him, kissing her forehead as he held her close. "We have, but I don't plan on letting anything else come between us, and if I can find a way to be with you even after my death then by your side I will remain."

She couldn't help but laugh at the image his words conjured up. "I'm sure I would enjoy having your ghost hanging around haunting my dreams at night."

He leaned down and brushed his lips across her cheek. "Well how would you like to have me haunt your dreams now?" he whispered in her ear.

She closed her eyes as she surrendered to the storm of emotions that his touch always commanded within her. "I would gladly like you to do whatever you wish now, my lord," she replied, feeling his mouth tease hers with feathery kisses.

"And what would that be?" he asked, bringing his hand up to tease her breasts through the fabric of her shirt, the fiery touch sending a jolt of pleasure through her and igniting a spark deep within the core of her womanhood.

She gasped as his mouth found the sensitive hollow of her throat and his hand took the fullness of her breast in his hand. "Please, Boromir, make love to me," she groaned.

She heard his gentle laugh against her ear, the sound driving her more than a little crazy. "Your wish is my command, my lady," he breathed, taking her in his arms and leading her into the pavilion where he did just that and more.



Afterwards, they lie exhausted in each other's arms, Lillisandra listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat in her ear as well as feeling it on the palm of her hand, and never had she felt more content in her life. Her beloved was back with her once more, and this time she wasn't going to let him go.

She propped herself up on her elbow to get a better look at him, never believing that with each time she did so she came to love him even more, causing tears to well in her eyes and fall over onto her cheeks. He saw this and raised himself up, reaching over with his hand to wipe them away. "Why do you cry?" he asked. "Did you wish me to take it slower with you?"

She shook her head. "I wanted you just as much," she replied. "It's just that I love you so much, Boromir. And I hate it that we have let so much come between us, knowing how much we mean to one another. I do not see how I could have survived before without feeling your touch or your kiss."

He leaned over to kiss her softly, tasting the salt from her tears on her lips. "I love you, too, Lillisandra. And I also feel the same but there were stronger forces working against us that we were both unaware of." Then he noticed her looking at him strangely. "What?" he asked, a smile lurking at the edges of his mouth.

She smiled. "I think that is the first time you have called me by my full name," she answered.

He laughed. "Yes, I guess I do prefer to call you by other names."

A single eyebrow rose in question. "Such as?"

He kissed her on the side of her neck. "Beloved is one I like," he began then moved to the other side of her neck. "Fiancé is good too."

She sighed and closed her eyes as his kisses began to rekindle the embers of her desire that had begun to cool. "Anything else?" she whispered then gasped as his tongue swirled around first one nipple then the other. When he stopped, she opened her eyes and found herself looking deeply into his own.

"My heart's desire," he breathed before claiming her lips once again in a deep, passionate kiss. "But what I wish to call you most of all is my wife," he added.

She brought her hand up to touch first his lips then his face, her fingertips brushing lightly across his skin. "In my heart are we already wed to one another, but I must admit that I am impatient for the day when I can call you my husband."

He smiled briefly before a sudden thought stopped it just as quickly as it had began. "Lilli, there is something I wish to ask you, and I want you to tell me the truth."

She was curious as to what it was. "Of course, you know I would never lie to you."

He took a deep breath to gather his courage. "Did you at any time give yourself to Legolas?"

She was so dumbfounded she almost laughed, but quelled the urge as she knew that he would never forgive her if she did. "No, my love," she replied. "I cannot for my body as well as my heart yearn for you and you alone." This time she did smile as she saw the effect her words had on him.

He fell back against the furs with obvious relief, his arms reaching out to pull her down beside him so he could gather her in his arms. "I love you," he whispered as he kissed her. "And when we leave Lorien tomorrow I will tell Aragorn that I wish to return to Minas Tirith with you where we will fight whatever evil that comes out of Mordor. Then will we be married and have the rest of our lives to spend as we will."

She smiled as a reflection of her happiness, but deep down she hoped that things would turn out as well as he hoped for she held a hidden fear within the recesses of her heart that from here on the danger to them all would grow even greater and threaten their dreams for a future together. She could only wish that her fears would prove to be unfounded as she looked forward to an uncertain future where it was possible that evil could prevail if any one of them faltered.

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Hmm, she's getting a feeling of what could happen in the future. And we all know what will happen already, don't we? Aren't I cruel? Hee-hee! Thanks for reading and please review!