A/N: Warning there by sap ahead. :)
Part 17
Aragorn, Gandalf, Eomer, Theoden and the sons of Elrond were meeting in one of the tents trying to decide where to take the next battle. It was decided that they would head east and go to Mordor. Word soon spread among the seven thousand warriors ready to fight Sauron and the minions of Mordor that they would leave at first light.
Legolas found Willow sitting by a stream and went to join her. She was deep in thought and didn't hear him approach. It wasn't until there was a soft touch on her shoulder that she realized she wasn't alone.
"Do you miss your home?"
Legolas' brow creased in thought. That was the last thing he expected her to ask.
"I miss my family and friends in Mirkwood but I would not have missed this adventure. It is an honor to be one of the nine that would return the ring."
Willow nodded and picked up another stone and skimmed it across the water's surface.
"Yet you know that when this adventure is over, assuming all goes well, you'll return to your family and friends."
Legolas turned to fully face Willow. "Gandalf and Galadriel both said that they will return you to your reality, Willow. Back to before your friends and family even know that you're gone."
"I know. It's just that . . ."
"You are torn between this world and yours?"
Willow smiled, "Is it all the years of living that makes you so smart or are you just that smart?"
"I am just that smart." Legolas smiled when he heard Willow's laughter.
"I was prepared to die in battle here and not be able to see my friends one last time before I died but with every victory I'm having to make a decision of staying here and not seeing my friends again or leaving and never seeing Aragorn or my friends here again."
Legolas gently stroked her hair. "No one can make that decision for you, Willow. It was a difficult decision for Aragorn and Arwen to make when he decided to follow this path and she went to the Undying Lands of our people. You must follow your heart wherever that leads."
There was silence and then, "Do you think Gandalf or Galadriel would have a way to contact my friends if I did stay here?"
Aragorn released a breath he didn't realize he had been holding. He hadn't allowed himself to think of the future. He had a war to fight and the likelihood of victory was slim yet with Willow's question he allowed himself to dream of a future that included Willow.
Legolas saw Aragorn step out of the shadows and smiled at his friend. He placed a gentle kiss on Willow's head and stepped back. "There's someone here that is very interested in your answer."
Willow turned from the stream and saw Aragorn standing nearby and smiled. Now that she had made her decision, it felt like a weight had been lifted.
Aragorn pulled Willow into an embrace and they just stood quietly beside the stream. Lifting Willow's chin he placed a soft kiss on her lips, "You would stay here?"
"I will miss my friends very much but there are times when your life takes a different path and you know in your heart that it's the right path."
Aragorn smiled, "I am very happy that your path is here beside me."
Willow snorted, "You weren't when I first came here. You thought I was evil magick woman come to destroy the fellowship."
"That was my head talking. It just took a while before my head caught up with my heart."
Willow smiled and pulled him down for a kiss, "No wonder you're going to be King. You know just what to say to a lady."
Aragorn nipped at her lower lip, "Not just any lady. Just the lady that holds my heart."
Tired of Aragorn's teasing lips she wound her hands into his hair to hold him still and plundered. Aragorn's hands caressed Willow's back and drew her closer. Not sure if he would think her too forward but not really caring since this might be the only opportunity they would have before the march to Mordor. Willow whispered, "Stay with me tonight."
Aragorn was breathing heavy and rested his forehead against hers. Looking into her green depths he smiled, "Tonight and always."
Intertwining their fingers they walked side by side to Aragorn's tent and quietly slipped inside before they were disturbed.
~~~~
Willow placed a kiss on Aragorn's chest. He smiled and didn't open his eyes. He just let himself enjoy the sensation of her butterfly kisses that she was peppering along his collarbone and down his chest.
"Mmmmm, that's a nice way to wake up in the morning. I could get used to this."
Willow smiled against his chest, "Me, too."
Aragorn opened his eyes at that and looked at Willow. He gave a gentle tug to her hair so that she would look up at him.
Willow looked up to the serious expression on Aragorn's face. Oh god, please no morning after regrets she thought.
"Do you mean that, Willow?"
"Mean what?"
"That you could get used to this."
"Waking up in your arms? You betcha!"
"When the battle is won, would stay and live by my side?"
Willow was in shock. Not at the depth of Aragorn's emotion for she knew that he loved her but she honestly wasn't expecting this.
Aragorn was nervous. Willow wasn't answering or didn't even seem to be breathing. "Willow?"
A large smile spread across her face and Aragorn was mesmerized by the beauty of her joy. Willow reached up and nipped at his jaw and then his earlobe before whispering in his ear, "If you want me by your side, I would be honored to be there."
Legolas stood outside Aragorn's tent. He was just getting ready to scratch at the door to wake them when he heard the question and answer. His heart swelled for both his friends. In these dark days they found a light in the other. He truly thought they were well matched. Even though she may not have been born royalty, Willow was as gracious and kind as any Queen. She would be an asset to both the city and the people of Gondor. But most importantly they were an asset to the other.
Gandalf silent stood next to the Elf. "She has made her decision to stay?"
"Was this foretold as well, Gandalf?"
"There were two paths that Aragorn could have taken. Both would have assured the victory of Gondor but only one would have ensured the victory of his heart."
