Percy was perched on the end of his bed, wiping the tears away with the back of his left hand. Why did he do that? He had scared the living hell out of his best friend, and seized her! How long would it be before Elrond was informed? Elrond was the most protective parent Percy had ever met - or heard of.

Percy would never be able to get another job if he was dismissed. He couldn't read or write, and with the added reputation of using his strength on a female elf, his chances were minute.

But no one knew how strong Arual was - both mentally and physically. She had wrestled him to the ground many times, and even when she hadn't she'd put up a good fight. Her speech was that of Alexis - the wisest elf Percy knew. She could confuse anyone with her vocabulary. She would smirk at him when he looked at her in perplexity.

And the looks she gave him. He knew she was too good for him; his colleagues had made him know. But how he wanted to ride alongside her, hold her as he lifted her down from her horse, walk alongside one another in silence. They both liked it that way - there was no need to talk about how they were there for one another. They just knew.

And now she would never forgive him. He had gone to kiss her. The look of utter disgust on her face flashed in front of his eyes. He snapped them shut, but she reappeared. Her mesmerising eyes, fragranced, soft hair which he had hidden his face in last Summer when they had played on the corn fields, her womanly figure at such a young age, and perky, red lips which he desired in agony.

"You'll drive yourself crazy thinking about that elf-girl."

Percy looked up so abruptly his neck snapped. Saeith - a chef who worked full-time, as did Percy, was tending to his bed, ready for when he would use it that night.

"I think I'm in love with her," Percy muttered.

"'Course you do. Felt it myself, when I was not much older than you. But let me tell you this, my lad; it passes. Others will come - and go. She'll always be in your heart, because it's your first love, but it will stop hurting."

Percy's face flushed, and he shifted just as Saeith parked his enormous backside next to him. Saeith was half man - half hobbit. He was Arual's height.

"I remember my first." Saeith's eyes glazed. "She was so - beautiful. Just a regular girl, I'll say that. But to me she seemed more than any wizard or elf. She was no airy-fairy type," he waved his hand in the air, signalling the unimportance of any other creature in Middle-Earth.

"We spent ten years together. That's nothing to you - but those were the best years I ever witnessed. Her lips -," his eyes closed in pleasure. Percy's eyes widened. He didn't need that much information.

Saeith seemed to snap back into the real world. "Then - she died. Murdered."

Percy choked back a sob. He was anticipating that was what would happen to Arual and himself. Up until the murder.

"I have never had better. I'm ugly, see," Percy smiled, showing no teeth. He couldn't argue. "Don't pity me - never bothered me. That's cos I had Jess."

"She sounds wonderful," Percy whispered.

"Ar, she was! And this Arual! Tomorrow - you are gonna march right up to that girl. Promise her the world, and you're gonna kiss her."

"I'm not."

"You are, sunshine. She's a guddun. I know people think her as haughty - but you can see past that. You miss the flaws when you're in love. She's a good choice. You go get her while you can. Before she gets with that Celeblain. You love her, you tell her!"

Percy sighed heavily.

"Okaay!"

Saeith clapped him on the back so hard he almost chucked up his dinner.

"Good on yer, son."