Chapter 18

          Once the cheer had grown tired, everyone retired to separate rooms of the house. Mylea and Arwen went into their bedroom and Mylea told Arwen about all that she had seen and done. Arwen looked like a child listening to a wild bedtime story as Mylea spoke. Arwen's large blue eyes would get bigger and her mouth would drop with surprise.

          "You tried to defeat Saruman solely on your own skills." Arwen commented.

          "Yes, I know what you are thinking, I should have been more cautious. For if I had I would not be in the trouble that I was presented with."

          "You know all too well what I think Mylea." Arwen spoke with an arched eyebrow.

          Aragorn then stepped into the room and glanced at the two women. He shyly smiled and then walked all the way in.

          "Mylea…might I borrow Arwen?"

          "Why of course." Mylea answered with a grin.

          "Thanks, I am very happy to see you are yourself once more Mylea." Aragorn spoke and embraced her.

          Mylea hugged him back, and then push Arwen and Aragorn out of the room. She knew they wanted to be alone. They had never been apart more than a day or two before this journey. Then an idea had struck Mylea. She quickly ran out to find Gandalf.

          Gandalf was sitting by the roar of the fire and speaking to Legolas. They both noted her arrival and Legolas immediately offered his chair. Mylea kindly accepted then became more serious as she faced Gandalf.

          "What is it child?"

          "Saruman…did you…"

          "Kill him?"

          Mylea nodded in silence.

          "No, Saruman is now devoid of his creatures and his staff. I do not think he will wreak more havoc upon you all. The orcs have been slaughtered, thanks to the bravery of men, and I have a hold of his staff."

          "Well I am glad to hear it, it puts my mind at ease, but I have one more quandary."

          "Yes?"

          "Are you absolutely positive that he will not try to harm Arwen or Aragorn again?"

          "I am afraid I cannot make such promises on his behalf, but I can say that with you around I doubt he would accomplish much." Gandalf spoke with a smile.

          Mylea smiled as well. Gandalf knew her very well by now, and knew that she was now willing to do absolutely anything to protect those that she loved.

          "Thank you Gandalf, but I believe I would have not survived without all of you by my side. I was foolish to think that I could save Middle Earth on my own."

          "Yes, but you have certainly charmed all of your companions I dare say. Even Master Gimli had been enchanted into being a true friend to you." A secretive smile spread Gandalf's face and then he glanced at Legolas.

          "I also see that one of your companions has become more…"

          Mylea looked at Legolas and then started to turn a pale shade of pink. She looked into the fire as Legolas turned away from Gandalf's gaze as well. Gandalf chuckled and then got up from his seat and left the two alone.

          "He is right Mylea…I meant what I said back in Isengaurd…Im Mel Li Mylea."

          Mylea looked up and smiled then gathered herself out of the chair and came towards him. She wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her head on his shoulder.

          "Im Mel Li Legolas." She whispered into his ear.

          He grinned and she lifted her head and looked into his eyes. He kissed her and they stayed that way for a long while.

          Elrond and Gandalf sat in the library and Gandalf noticed Elrond's worried expression.

          "What is it old friend?"

          "Gandalf, it is not over…I feel that Saruman will have one last stand. I also sense something else…perhaps companions who had once fought together will fight against one another."

          "Do you know of whom you speak?"

          "No…but strangely I fear that Elladan will be involved." Elrond spoke and creases set in his forehead.

          "Elladan? Why would he…" Gandalf trailed off a thought coming to him.

          "What is it Gandalf?"

          "Have you not noticed something about your son, how determined he is, especially when it comes to a certain elf?"

          "Mylea…I knew he loved her, but I thought that he would realize that she was not meant for him. She is happy with what she possesses…with Legolas."

          Mylea kissed Legolas softly against his cheek and shuffled him off to go to sleep. He had been up and worried for many days and needed rest. Once she had said goodnight she went to her bedroom and Arwen was still gone.

          Mylea sat in her window cozy and watched the stars in the sky. They were so bright and cheerful as if they were as well celebrating. Mylea sometimes wished she were among them. She had heard many stories of how the Grey Havens looked just like the night sky. It was a misty, magical place where the old and young gathered together.

          Mylea shook her head though; she would not leave for the Grey Havens ever. She would not leave Arwen and Argorn behind to die alone. They were part of her family and she wanted to be there when they married and when child would be heard in the palace of Gondor.

          Elladan entered Mylea's room and knocked against the pine wood door. Mylea turned around and smiled brightly at him. He neared her and took a seat upon Arwen's bed.

          "What are thinking?" Elladan asked.

          "About the stars…" Mylea spoke and gazed at them again.

          "Mylea…I must apologize for the harm that has come to you as a result of myself. You must believe it was the last thing that I ever wanted to do. Mylea I know I cannot say anything that would take it all back, but if I could…I would be the one to bear your pain."

          Mylea looked at him with sympathy in her eyes.

          "Do not blame yourself, you only wanted to help. I do not hold you responsible for anything that has or will happen to me. I make my own choices and I have only myself to blame for the consequences."

          "Mylea I do not deserve your kindness."

          "Do not speak like that." Mylea said and walked over beside him.

          He stood up and looked at her. Her face was so calm and understanding. She held no animosity toward anyone. Well…with the exception of the man who took precious lives away. She clasped her arms around Elladan to let him know that everything was all right.

          She then let go of him and grinned. Finally she turned to go collect some scattered books from the floor but Elladan caught her arm. He whirled her back towards him.

          "Elladan, is there something…" Elladan's lips cut off Mylea.

          Elladan kissed Mylea like he had wanted to for so long. But within a few seconds Mylea had pushed Elladan away and Elladan looked taken aback. Then they both looked at the door and saw Legolas standing before them, and he did not look happy at all.