standard disclaimers apply.
~~--~~*~~--~~
thanks for the feedback from last chapter. i'm glad you all enjoyed it, because it made me happy. and just for you all, an extra long chapter. : )
~~--~~*~~--~~ Chapter Four: Théoden King ~~--~~*~~--~~
"Adele," Aidan called breathlessly as he came running to the garden where she and Talen were having lunch one afternoon.
"What is it?" she asked with a worried frown.
"The King approaches from the west," he said, then turning and running off again.
Adele smiled broadly and looked over at Talen, the happiness radiating from her face.
"It has been a long time since I last saw my father."
Talen nodded and stood, extending his hand to Adele. She took it gratefully and stood, straightening out her dress. Together they walked out of the garden and to the front of the house where a few Rohirrim soldiers stood, their armor glinting in the sun. Théoden King was dismounting his horse when his daughter spotted him.
"Father!" she yelled as she ran to him, throwing herself in his arms.
"My daughter," he said, wrapping his arms around her tightly. "It has been too long since our last meeting."
"Far too long."
Théoden held Adele at arm's length, inspecting her.
"You look even more beautiful than the last time I saw you. Tell me, how are you, my dear?"
"I am well," Adele said as she took her father's arm, leading him in the house. "But you have not written in ages. There has been no word of the outside world, and I am anxious to hear the news that you have brought."
"What makes you think there is anything interesting to share of the outside world?"
"Surely there is something to be spoken of."
Théoden laughed at his daughter's audacity and sat in a chair by the empty fireplace in the main room. Adele sat opposite him, leaning forward in her chair.
"Nothing of interest, at least not from Edoras or anywhere in the Rohan I am afraid."
"Is it safe to return yet?"
Théoden let out a long sigh and reached forward, taking his daughter's hands into his own.
"Dearest, if I thought i safe enough for you, I would surely take you back with me. There is unspeakable evil from the east that I fear will rain down upon our city. I do not want you there when it happens."
Adele looked at their clasped hands.
"You have been making these presumptions for the better part of two years, Father. Will I ever have the chance to return to Edoras, to return home?"
"One day you will find yourself back in the Golden Hall, but I fear it will not be for some time. I only yearn for your safety, dearest. Do not bear me ill will."
"I could never...."
Théoden looked up as Amiens walked in the room, his loud footfall making his presence known. Théoden stood and shook hands with him as the twins followed their father into the room
"What brings you here, Théoden?" Amiens asked. "Have you come for Adele?"
"No, I came for a mere visit, although it is my wish that we might speak on private terms later."
"How long will you stay? Need I make a room ready for you?"
"That would be kind of you, but I will only be here for the night. My presence is required back in Edoras soon."
Amiens nodded and turned to his sons, ordering them to go and clear the guest room for the king. Aidan opened his mouth to tell Amiens that the guest room was being used by Talen, but he was silenced.
"Do not question me," Amiens said.
The twins nodded and turned to leave the house in search of Talen, and inform him that he would be staying elsewhere for the night. Adele followed them, leaving Amiens and Théoden to speak.
With nothing to do, Adele walked outside to where she was sure she would find Sesile. Although it was her excuse to look for the woman, she more wanted to find Talen as she found his company more enjoyable than that of her family.
"Looking for someone?" a voice called from behind her.
"I do not think it fair that my father has only been here for less than an hour and already Amiens is taking over him."
"There are things that they need to speak about. Matters of importance, I'm sure."
"That doesn't make me any less discontent."
"Maybe I can do something to ease you," Talen said, taking her hand. "I should very much like an afternoon ride. Will you accompany me?"
Adele smiled broadly as she had not been on a horse in a long time. She wasn't even sure that Talen knew how to ride a horse the correct way. The thought still thrilled her, and she could do nothing but oblige.
"That sounds wonderful."
A stable stood not far from the house, a short walk that Talen and Adele enjoyed immensely in the afternoon sun. Having secretly developed an attachment to Talen, Adele was delighted to find that he had not let go of her hand from the time that he had grabbed it.
"That isn't good," Talen commented as he looked into the pens to find that all but one of the horses were gone. "Where have they gone?"
"Aidan and Airsyn sometimes let the horses out to roam the fields around this area. They must have released them this morning. They always leave one in case of an emergency."
"Whose horse is this?" he asked as he walked over to the animal, rubbing its chestnut nose.
"That is my horse, Loki."
"Is it all right to ride him?"
"Yes, I would think so. He must think I've been neglecting him since all of my time has been spent taking care of you," she said, playfully.
"I mean not to burden you," he said in mock apology.
"Where is your saddle?" Talen asked as he looked around.
Adele pointed to a spot on the wall where a saddle of smaller stature rested. He walked over and pulled it down, throwing it over the horse's back and securing it tightly.
"I hardly think you can fit in my saddle," Adele said.
"No, but you can fit in your saddle. I merely mean to sit behind you, if that is all right."
Adele nodded and waited as Talen led Loki out of the stable. If the horse was wary of a stranger, he showed no sign of it.
Adele walked over to the horse and let Talen help her into the saddle, although she was quite capable of doing it herself. Not wearing any of the right riding clothes, she made due with what she wore and waited in anticipation as Talen mounted himself on the animal's back.
A pair of strong arms reached around from behind and locked themselves around her middle. She leaned back into Talen's chest, reveling in the feel of the contact. There were several moments where both made sure they were secure before Adele set the horse in motion.
The wind felt marvellous against her face as they rode together across the plain, their minds clear and hearts free.
"This is peaceful," Talen commented as the horse slowed down to a walk. "Serene."
"I used to ride a lot when I was younger. It helped clear my head. My brother Théodred and I used to set out across the Rohan for adventures, back when it was safe."
"You have a brother?"
Adele turned her head back to look at Talen.
"Yes, an older brother."
"What about the rest of your family?"
"My mother died just after I was born. Father said it was complications from childbirth. There were nights when I would sit out under the stars and talk to her, although she never answered me."
"I'm sure she watches you from wherever she is now."
Adele smiled at Talen before turning her attention back to the fields. The house was no more than a small spot in the distance, smoke rising from the fire that the soldiers that had accompanied her father started.
"Perhaps we should ride back," Adele said.
"We have been gone for a while. That might be a wise decision."
Adele nodded and kicked the horse to a gallop, nearly knocking Talen off of the back. He gripped his arms tighter around Adele, trying to hold on.
Inside the house Amiens and Theoden were speaking of the troubles in the Rohan. It seemed that an excessively large amount of orcs had been spotted near Minas Tirith, and speculations were that they would be moving into the Rohan.
"Their destruction should not be a problem, but I fear they are only the beginning of what is to be a larger problem."
Théoden stood and moved to the window as he saw a rider coming toward the house. He smiled when he saw it was his daughter, although the smile soon wiped away as he saw Talen riding with her in such close proximity.
"Who is this man that I find new to your house?" Théoden asked curiously.
"Talen, or at least that is what your daughter has decided to call him. He was found near death on the river bank two weeks ago riddled with arrows and carrying elven marks about his clothing. He knows not who he is or where he came from."
"Are you not weary of him in your home?"
"He has shown no ill will toward my family or myself, and I will allow him to stay as long as is needed to recover."
"What is his relationship with Adele?"
"She was the one that took care of him, nursed him back to health. It seems that she favors his company over that of her own family as they spend most of the day together."
"I see."
~~--~~*~~--~~
Adele was almost sad that her ride with Talen was over, as it had taken her mind off of her prieviously bad mood. Not that she minded the feel of his arms around her either.
As they were putting the horse back in the stable Adele turned to see her father walk in.
"Father! Are you done speaking with Amiens?"
"Yes, I should think so. How was your ride?"
"I haven't been out riding in a long time, and I think it did some good."
"You always did love the feel of the wind in your face, even from the time you were very small."
At that time Talen exited the stable and came to stand next to Adele. Théoden reached out and shook his hand.
"Adele, Sesile was looking for you in the house earlier. Perhaps you should go and see what she needs. It is my wish to speak with Talen."
Adele nodded and turned to Talen, touching his arm thoughtfully before leaving the stable, quickly walking the short distance back to the house. Talen watched her go with a smile on his face that was not unnoticed by Théoden.
"Amiens told me about how the twins found you by the river. Is it true that you do not remember your past?"
"It is."
"What keeps you here still? Surely you are well enough to ride out and maybe find yourself in the company of people who might know you?"
Talen looked at the king and then let his mind wander to Adele. A smile crossed his features.
"As much as finding myself might appeal to me, I find that I have a connection to this place that I would not wish to break."
"Is it Adele?"
Talen looked at Théoden and nodded slowly. About that time Airsyn came running up from the house.
"Sesile says that dinner is ready should you wish to come and eat," he said.
"Good, I'm hungry."
Quietly the two men walked back to the house and inside, taking their seats at the table that was piled high with food. Théoden took a seat at the opposite end of the table from Amiens, and Talen sat down in his usual spot next to Adele. He gave her a reassuring smile for her questioning glance.
Dinner was eaten with the company of old stories being reaccounted with much laughter filling the room. Talen felt like a true part of the family as he ate dinner that night. It was a wonderful feeling.
That night as everyone sat in the main room talking and continuing the telling of stories from dinner, Talen wandered away and out into the garden where he had spent many days with Adele. As he looked at the flowers in the moonlight, he could think of nothing but her. His gaze travelled upward to the stars and he recalled what Adele had told him during their riding about speaking to her mother.
"I may think myself foolish for talking to the sky, but is it so much to ask that I might find some identity?" he asked softly.
"Is the need that great?" a voice asked from behind.
Talen turned around quickly to see Adele standing before him, a small candle burning brightly in one of her hands.. She closed some of the distance between them and reached up, touching his face softly. He closed his eyes and leaned into her hand.
"Come with me, as there is something I wish to show you. Something I should have showed you long before now."
Talen nodded and reached over, taking her hand, lacing her fingers in with his own. He followed her all the way to the stables where she rumaged around in one of her saddlebags before pulling out a knife. She held it out for him and moved closer, bringing the light down for him to see.
"What is this?" he asked as he unsheathed the dagger and looked over it.
"This was found on you the first night you were brought here. The markings are that of a weapon of Minas Tirith."
"This is where I came from? Minas Tirith?"
"It is thought to be so, yes. Of course you could have picked the dagger up anywhere, or it might have been given to you by a stranger."
Talen felt the knife in his hand.
"That could be, but the hilt fits my hand too well to be coincidence."
"Now that you know, will you go to the White City?"
Talen looked up from the blade and glanced into Adele's waiting, sad eyes. It was clear that she did not want him to leave, and he did not want to go if it meant upsetting her. Setting the dagger down on a nearby barrel, he answered her.
"No, I will stay here with you."
He reached down and touched her cheek softly with the backs of his fingers, the warmth there radiating gently. She closed her eyes at the feel of his touch, so gentle and comforting. His thumb came down to graze her bottom lip, before his hand moved up, pushing stray hair out of her face. She took in a shaky breath and opened her eyes, looking up at him in the moonlight as her candle had gone out.
She opened her mouth to speak, but Talen silenced her, with a touch to her lips. She did not speak, she only stood motionless as his arm came around her waist, pulling her close. His face drew down closer to hers. The candle in her hand fell carelessly to the floor as she reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck.
They looked into each other's eyes for a short moment before Talen kissed her cheek first, and then her forehead. She closed her eyes as he leaned down closer, taking her lips for his own in a soft and sweet kiss.
There was nothing hurried about the kiss as nothing else mattered. It was only them there together and the stars in the sky.
Talen wrapped his other arm around her as the kiss continued, now deeper than it had been before. Adele sighed happily into his mouth before pulling away, laying her head on his shoulder. He rested his head against hers lightly, his breathing and heart rate slowing down from what it had been.
"I think I love you," Talen whispered into her hair as he kissed her head lightly. "I'm sure of it."
Adele pulled back and looked at him with a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
"And I love you, Talen. Now kiss me again."
"As you wish," he said as he came down for another kiss.
As they walked back to the house wrapped up in each other some moments later, Adele posed a good question to Talen, one that had been going through his mind as they had kissed.
"How long will you be staying here?"
"Well, I had been thinking about that, and it is my decision to stay here as long as you will have me."
"Talen, I will never let you go."
Stopping, Talen turned to her and pulled her into his arms, not caring if any of the king's soldiers or if anyone in the house watched.
"What are you saying?" he asked.
"It is my wish that you will stay with me forever, never leave my side. I need you."
"As I need you, my love. Then it is settled. We will be married."
Talen leaned down and kissed her again, oblivious to Théoden who stood leaning against the house, listening and watching the two. He raised his eyebrows at this proclamation, although somehow it did not surprise him.
Clearning his throat, Théoden got their attention.
"Might I be included in this matter? It isn't every day that a man asks for the hand of a princess in marriage."
Théoden walked over to where his daughter and Talen stood, still embracing. He chuckled lightly at the look of fear on Talen's face.
"Do you love my daughter?"
"With all of my heart. She makes me more complete than anything in this world ever could."
Théoden turned to Adele.
"Does he make you happy?"
"More than you could ever imagine, Father."
"Then I will consent for you to be wed. Tomorrow, if it is all right with you, as I would like to be here to oversee the wedding. To perform it."
Talen smiled and leaned down, kissing Adele once, twice more as Théoden shook his head, walking back into the house.
~~--~~*~~--~~
Somewhere in Ithilien, a man lay asleep in his bed, tossing and turning as his dreams plagued him. He could see a lifeless figure in a boat drifting down a swift-moving river. Whimpering, he watched as the boat tumbled over the falls, dumping its passenger into the water. Crying out in his sleep, he watched as the man plunged beneath the water.
Calmness came over him as he watched two men discover the passenger of the ill-fated boat ride that had washed up on the river bank. It seemed he was alive, if only just so.
And so the man slept on, his sleep empty of any dreams thereafter.....
~~--~~*~~--~~
IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT
okay, so here's the deal (and listen up): i have most of the rest of this story writen with the exception of the final two chapters, and i planned a while back to write chapter seven as a hugely long chapter full of fluff. but now i'm not going to do this since i haven't gotten as much attention to this fic as expected. if i can get this review count to fifty or higher (to know it's worth it) by the time i post the next chapter, i'll write you fluff. but only until then. happy reviewing!!
~~--~~*~~--~~
thanks for the feedback from last chapter. i'm glad you all enjoyed it, because it made me happy. and just for you all, an extra long chapter. : )
~~--~~*~~--~~ Chapter Four: Théoden King ~~--~~*~~--~~
"Adele," Aidan called breathlessly as he came running to the garden where she and Talen were having lunch one afternoon.
"What is it?" she asked with a worried frown.
"The King approaches from the west," he said, then turning and running off again.
Adele smiled broadly and looked over at Talen, the happiness radiating from her face.
"It has been a long time since I last saw my father."
Talen nodded and stood, extending his hand to Adele. She took it gratefully and stood, straightening out her dress. Together they walked out of the garden and to the front of the house where a few Rohirrim soldiers stood, their armor glinting in the sun. Théoden King was dismounting his horse when his daughter spotted him.
"Father!" she yelled as she ran to him, throwing herself in his arms.
"My daughter," he said, wrapping his arms around her tightly. "It has been too long since our last meeting."
"Far too long."
Théoden held Adele at arm's length, inspecting her.
"You look even more beautiful than the last time I saw you. Tell me, how are you, my dear?"
"I am well," Adele said as she took her father's arm, leading him in the house. "But you have not written in ages. There has been no word of the outside world, and I am anxious to hear the news that you have brought."
"What makes you think there is anything interesting to share of the outside world?"
"Surely there is something to be spoken of."
Théoden laughed at his daughter's audacity and sat in a chair by the empty fireplace in the main room. Adele sat opposite him, leaning forward in her chair.
"Nothing of interest, at least not from Edoras or anywhere in the Rohan I am afraid."
"Is it safe to return yet?"
Théoden let out a long sigh and reached forward, taking his daughter's hands into his own.
"Dearest, if I thought i safe enough for you, I would surely take you back with me. There is unspeakable evil from the east that I fear will rain down upon our city. I do not want you there when it happens."
Adele looked at their clasped hands.
"You have been making these presumptions for the better part of two years, Father. Will I ever have the chance to return to Edoras, to return home?"
"One day you will find yourself back in the Golden Hall, but I fear it will not be for some time. I only yearn for your safety, dearest. Do not bear me ill will."
"I could never...."
Théoden looked up as Amiens walked in the room, his loud footfall making his presence known. Théoden stood and shook hands with him as the twins followed their father into the room
"What brings you here, Théoden?" Amiens asked. "Have you come for Adele?"
"No, I came for a mere visit, although it is my wish that we might speak on private terms later."
"How long will you stay? Need I make a room ready for you?"
"That would be kind of you, but I will only be here for the night. My presence is required back in Edoras soon."
Amiens nodded and turned to his sons, ordering them to go and clear the guest room for the king. Aidan opened his mouth to tell Amiens that the guest room was being used by Talen, but he was silenced.
"Do not question me," Amiens said.
The twins nodded and turned to leave the house in search of Talen, and inform him that he would be staying elsewhere for the night. Adele followed them, leaving Amiens and Théoden to speak.
With nothing to do, Adele walked outside to where she was sure she would find Sesile. Although it was her excuse to look for the woman, she more wanted to find Talen as she found his company more enjoyable than that of her family.
"Looking for someone?" a voice called from behind her.
"I do not think it fair that my father has only been here for less than an hour and already Amiens is taking over him."
"There are things that they need to speak about. Matters of importance, I'm sure."
"That doesn't make me any less discontent."
"Maybe I can do something to ease you," Talen said, taking her hand. "I should very much like an afternoon ride. Will you accompany me?"
Adele smiled broadly as she had not been on a horse in a long time. She wasn't even sure that Talen knew how to ride a horse the correct way. The thought still thrilled her, and she could do nothing but oblige.
"That sounds wonderful."
A stable stood not far from the house, a short walk that Talen and Adele enjoyed immensely in the afternoon sun. Having secretly developed an attachment to Talen, Adele was delighted to find that he had not let go of her hand from the time that he had grabbed it.
"That isn't good," Talen commented as he looked into the pens to find that all but one of the horses were gone. "Where have they gone?"
"Aidan and Airsyn sometimes let the horses out to roam the fields around this area. They must have released them this morning. They always leave one in case of an emergency."
"Whose horse is this?" he asked as he walked over to the animal, rubbing its chestnut nose.
"That is my horse, Loki."
"Is it all right to ride him?"
"Yes, I would think so. He must think I've been neglecting him since all of my time has been spent taking care of you," she said, playfully.
"I mean not to burden you," he said in mock apology.
"Where is your saddle?" Talen asked as he looked around.
Adele pointed to a spot on the wall where a saddle of smaller stature rested. He walked over and pulled it down, throwing it over the horse's back and securing it tightly.
"I hardly think you can fit in my saddle," Adele said.
"No, but you can fit in your saddle. I merely mean to sit behind you, if that is all right."
Adele nodded and waited as Talen led Loki out of the stable. If the horse was wary of a stranger, he showed no sign of it.
Adele walked over to the horse and let Talen help her into the saddle, although she was quite capable of doing it herself. Not wearing any of the right riding clothes, she made due with what she wore and waited in anticipation as Talen mounted himself on the animal's back.
A pair of strong arms reached around from behind and locked themselves around her middle. She leaned back into Talen's chest, reveling in the feel of the contact. There were several moments where both made sure they were secure before Adele set the horse in motion.
The wind felt marvellous against her face as they rode together across the plain, their minds clear and hearts free.
"This is peaceful," Talen commented as the horse slowed down to a walk. "Serene."
"I used to ride a lot when I was younger. It helped clear my head. My brother Théodred and I used to set out across the Rohan for adventures, back when it was safe."
"You have a brother?"
Adele turned her head back to look at Talen.
"Yes, an older brother."
"What about the rest of your family?"
"My mother died just after I was born. Father said it was complications from childbirth. There were nights when I would sit out under the stars and talk to her, although she never answered me."
"I'm sure she watches you from wherever she is now."
Adele smiled at Talen before turning her attention back to the fields. The house was no more than a small spot in the distance, smoke rising from the fire that the soldiers that had accompanied her father started.
"Perhaps we should ride back," Adele said.
"We have been gone for a while. That might be a wise decision."
Adele nodded and kicked the horse to a gallop, nearly knocking Talen off of the back. He gripped his arms tighter around Adele, trying to hold on.
Inside the house Amiens and Theoden were speaking of the troubles in the Rohan. It seemed that an excessively large amount of orcs had been spotted near Minas Tirith, and speculations were that they would be moving into the Rohan.
"Their destruction should not be a problem, but I fear they are only the beginning of what is to be a larger problem."
Théoden stood and moved to the window as he saw a rider coming toward the house. He smiled when he saw it was his daughter, although the smile soon wiped away as he saw Talen riding with her in such close proximity.
"Who is this man that I find new to your house?" Théoden asked curiously.
"Talen, or at least that is what your daughter has decided to call him. He was found near death on the river bank two weeks ago riddled with arrows and carrying elven marks about his clothing. He knows not who he is or where he came from."
"Are you not weary of him in your home?"
"He has shown no ill will toward my family or myself, and I will allow him to stay as long as is needed to recover."
"What is his relationship with Adele?"
"She was the one that took care of him, nursed him back to health. It seems that she favors his company over that of her own family as they spend most of the day together."
"I see."
~~--~~*~~--~~
Adele was almost sad that her ride with Talen was over, as it had taken her mind off of her prieviously bad mood. Not that she minded the feel of his arms around her either.
As they were putting the horse back in the stable Adele turned to see her father walk in.
"Father! Are you done speaking with Amiens?"
"Yes, I should think so. How was your ride?"
"I haven't been out riding in a long time, and I think it did some good."
"You always did love the feel of the wind in your face, even from the time you were very small."
At that time Talen exited the stable and came to stand next to Adele. Théoden reached out and shook his hand.
"Adele, Sesile was looking for you in the house earlier. Perhaps you should go and see what she needs. It is my wish to speak with Talen."
Adele nodded and turned to Talen, touching his arm thoughtfully before leaving the stable, quickly walking the short distance back to the house. Talen watched her go with a smile on his face that was not unnoticed by Théoden.
"Amiens told me about how the twins found you by the river. Is it true that you do not remember your past?"
"It is."
"What keeps you here still? Surely you are well enough to ride out and maybe find yourself in the company of people who might know you?"
Talen looked at the king and then let his mind wander to Adele. A smile crossed his features.
"As much as finding myself might appeal to me, I find that I have a connection to this place that I would not wish to break."
"Is it Adele?"
Talen looked at Théoden and nodded slowly. About that time Airsyn came running up from the house.
"Sesile says that dinner is ready should you wish to come and eat," he said.
"Good, I'm hungry."
Quietly the two men walked back to the house and inside, taking their seats at the table that was piled high with food. Théoden took a seat at the opposite end of the table from Amiens, and Talen sat down in his usual spot next to Adele. He gave her a reassuring smile for her questioning glance.
Dinner was eaten with the company of old stories being reaccounted with much laughter filling the room. Talen felt like a true part of the family as he ate dinner that night. It was a wonderful feeling.
That night as everyone sat in the main room talking and continuing the telling of stories from dinner, Talen wandered away and out into the garden where he had spent many days with Adele. As he looked at the flowers in the moonlight, he could think of nothing but her. His gaze travelled upward to the stars and he recalled what Adele had told him during their riding about speaking to her mother.
"I may think myself foolish for talking to the sky, but is it so much to ask that I might find some identity?" he asked softly.
"Is the need that great?" a voice asked from behind.
Talen turned around quickly to see Adele standing before him, a small candle burning brightly in one of her hands.. She closed some of the distance between them and reached up, touching his face softly. He closed his eyes and leaned into her hand.
"Come with me, as there is something I wish to show you. Something I should have showed you long before now."
Talen nodded and reached over, taking her hand, lacing her fingers in with his own. He followed her all the way to the stables where she rumaged around in one of her saddlebags before pulling out a knife. She held it out for him and moved closer, bringing the light down for him to see.
"What is this?" he asked as he unsheathed the dagger and looked over it.
"This was found on you the first night you were brought here. The markings are that of a weapon of Minas Tirith."
"This is where I came from? Minas Tirith?"
"It is thought to be so, yes. Of course you could have picked the dagger up anywhere, or it might have been given to you by a stranger."
Talen felt the knife in his hand.
"That could be, but the hilt fits my hand too well to be coincidence."
"Now that you know, will you go to the White City?"
Talen looked up from the blade and glanced into Adele's waiting, sad eyes. It was clear that she did not want him to leave, and he did not want to go if it meant upsetting her. Setting the dagger down on a nearby barrel, he answered her.
"No, I will stay here with you."
He reached down and touched her cheek softly with the backs of his fingers, the warmth there radiating gently. She closed her eyes at the feel of his touch, so gentle and comforting. His thumb came down to graze her bottom lip, before his hand moved up, pushing stray hair out of her face. She took in a shaky breath and opened her eyes, looking up at him in the moonlight as her candle had gone out.
She opened her mouth to speak, but Talen silenced her, with a touch to her lips. She did not speak, she only stood motionless as his arm came around her waist, pulling her close. His face drew down closer to hers. The candle in her hand fell carelessly to the floor as she reached up, wrapping her arms around his neck.
They looked into each other's eyes for a short moment before Talen kissed her cheek first, and then her forehead. She closed her eyes as he leaned down closer, taking her lips for his own in a soft and sweet kiss.
There was nothing hurried about the kiss as nothing else mattered. It was only them there together and the stars in the sky.
Talen wrapped his other arm around her as the kiss continued, now deeper than it had been before. Adele sighed happily into his mouth before pulling away, laying her head on his shoulder. He rested his head against hers lightly, his breathing and heart rate slowing down from what it had been.
"I think I love you," Talen whispered into her hair as he kissed her head lightly. "I'm sure of it."
Adele pulled back and looked at him with a smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
"And I love you, Talen. Now kiss me again."
"As you wish," he said as he came down for another kiss.
As they walked back to the house wrapped up in each other some moments later, Adele posed a good question to Talen, one that had been going through his mind as they had kissed.
"How long will you be staying here?"
"Well, I had been thinking about that, and it is my decision to stay here as long as you will have me."
"Talen, I will never let you go."
Stopping, Talen turned to her and pulled her into his arms, not caring if any of the king's soldiers or if anyone in the house watched.
"What are you saying?" he asked.
"It is my wish that you will stay with me forever, never leave my side. I need you."
"As I need you, my love. Then it is settled. We will be married."
Talen leaned down and kissed her again, oblivious to Théoden who stood leaning against the house, listening and watching the two. He raised his eyebrows at this proclamation, although somehow it did not surprise him.
Clearning his throat, Théoden got their attention.
"Might I be included in this matter? It isn't every day that a man asks for the hand of a princess in marriage."
Théoden walked over to where his daughter and Talen stood, still embracing. He chuckled lightly at the look of fear on Talen's face.
"Do you love my daughter?"
"With all of my heart. She makes me more complete than anything in this world ever could."
Théoden turned to Adele.
"Does he make you happy?"
"More than you could ever imagine, Father."
"Then I will consent for you to be wed. Tomorrow, if it is all right with you, as I would like to be here to oversee the wedding. To perform it."
Talen smiled and leaned down, kissing Adele once, twice more as Théoden shook his head, walking back into the house.
~~--~~*~~--~~
Somewhere in Ithilien, a man lay asleep in his bed, tossing and turning as his dreams plagued him. He could see a lifeless figure in a boat drifting down a swift-moving river. Whimpering, he watched as the boat tumbled over the falls, dumping its passenger into the water. Crying out in his sleep, he watched as the man plunged beneath the water.
Calmness came over him as he watched two men discover the passenger of the ill-fated boat ride that had washed up on the river bank. It seemed he was alive, if only just so.
And so the man slept on, his sleep empty of any dreams thereafter.....
~~--~~*~~--~~
IMPORTANT IMPORTANT IMPORTANT
okay, so here's the deal (and listen up): i have most of the rest of this story writen with the exception of the final two chapters, and i planned a while back to write chapter seven as a hugely long chapter full of fluff. but now i'm not going to do this since i haven't gotten as much attention to this fic as expected. if i can get this review count to fifty or higher (to know it's worth it) by the time i post the next chapter, i'll write you fluff. but only until then. happy reviewing!!