Disclaimer: I only own the stuff you don't recognise. Everything thing else belongs to Tolkien.
A/N: Sorry it's been a while since I updated, but I have been very busy with work and the new story I have started. Also, I know this is rather a short chapter, but the next one will be longer, I promise!
If you are enjoying this story, then please review and tell me so! And thanks to all those who have reviewed so far! And if you like my style of writing, then check out my other story 'Exchanges'. Happy reading!
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It didn't take her long to find him; he was sitting just inside the forest, leaning against a tree and sharpening his newly cleaned knives and sword. He looked up as she approached but didn't acknowledge her presence. She stopped a few metres away from him and waited a few moments before speaking.
"Elrohir? We need to talk." He didn't reply so she gestured to the ground next to him. "Can I sit down?" He didn't look up from what he was doing, but nodded. She sat down next to him; pulling her knees up so she wrap her arms round them. There was silence for a few moments, broken only by the sound of Elrohir running his whetstone down the blade of one of his knives. It was she who broke the silence.
"I'm sorry…for today. I'm sorry for my behaviour, and I'm sorry for pushing you too far. I'm sorry I made you angry, but most of all…I'm sorry I hurt you." He did not reply, but he ceased his actions and sighed softly, turning to look at her properly for the first time.
"I'm sorry too, I shouldn't have acted like I did." Her eyes widened.
"No! You have nothing to apologise for, you only acted as you did because I left you no other choice. It is my foolish, childish behaviour and sheer stupidity that is to blame. You were only trying to protect me; I wouldn't be much help to anyone if I was dead, would I?" She said softly.
"But in doing what I did, I hurt you, and for that I am sorry." She met his silvery gaze and a nervous smile touched her mouth. He smiled back and put his things down. "Come here." He said gently, and pulled her into his arms, wiping away the tears that once again threatened to flow as she lost herself in the happy warmth of his embrace.
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When they returned to the camp, they were greeted by a smiling Haldir who looked at their linked hands and content expressions with relief.
"Thank Elbereth!" He exclaimed happily. "I don't think I could have coped with both of you in foul moods!" He laughed and they both joined in. Elrohir pulled her closer to him and wrapped an arm round her waist. She leaned against him, suddenly realising how tired she was. No sooner had the thought crossed her mind than she let out a huge yawn.
"Come on, let's go and get some food." Elrohir said, gently leading her over to where the rest of the camp was congregated. Estel and Halbarad were sitting together with the other ranger Finrodan, and they exchanged pleased glances as they saw her together with the dark-haired elf: violet and silver eyes shining again. Celeborn and Gandalf too, had been aware of their argument, and were both mildly surprised that the pair had managed to resolve it so quickly. Obviously their connection was a lot closer than they had previously believed it to be…
Gandalf looked over at the silver-haired elf who was presently wearing the pensive expression that suggested he was deep in thought. He spoke quietly, not wishing to bring any others into their conversation.
"I know what you are thinking, my friend. I, too, have foreseen it. Do you fear his choice?" Celeborn's expression cleared, and his eyes met Gandalf's.
"I cannot help but fear it. Whatever he chooses will cause hurt to those around him."
"Only one choice could bring him true happiness."
"Ay, but it is that which would also cause him the greatest hurt."
"That is true. You do not think we were unwise in encouraging their relationship?"
"No, it was inevitable. It was foreseen long ago, for she saw him in Galadriel's mirror when she first came to us. I was unaware of this, but when I noticed what was developing between them, I far-spoke with Galadriel, and she told me what she had seen."
"Then could she not have kept them apart, and avoided this?"
"It is not for any of us to tamper with fate. She did nothing to either encourage Elrohir to come to Lórien, nor discourage it. As fate had it, he did not come till recently when he accompanied Arwen to the Golden Wood."
"What will Elrond think?"
"That is precisely what I have been pondering as the days have passed. He has known all along that his children might take the alternative that they have been offered, to become mortal, but I do not believe that he has ever really considered they actually would, assuming they would take the ship to Valinor with him when the time came. It will be a shock for him, I know that much. But it is ever hard to perceive what Lord Elrond is thinking, or how he will react."
"I was under the impression it was ever that way with elves?" Gandalf said lightly and Celeborn smiled wryly.
"So it is said, I know. But with Elrond, it is even less apparent. And since Celebrian passed, well, he has relied ever more on Arwen, Glorfindel and the twins for support." He paused, and his eyes briefly glazed over as a memory passed through his mind.
"It was this time of year that she parted these shores, was it not?" The wizard asked softly. Celeborn nodded slowly, his eyes clearing.
"Yes. And in a few weeks…"
"The time of his death?"
"His disappearance." Celeborn corrected. "We have not yet given up hope."
"Forgive me, my friend. I spoke without thought."
"It is forgotten." They were silent for a few moments, lost in their own thoughts, before Gandalf tactfully changed the thread of conversation to something lighter.
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The company was merry that night as they sat around the fire, eating, drinking and exchanging stories and songs as they usually did. Elrohir was on watch and as she lay, propped up on her elbows, lulled by the voices of Léanor, Arùmil and Gelion who were presently singing, she let her thoughts wonder.
After some time, Daromir relieved Elrohir and he went over to where she lay, her eyes closed, but her soft humming betraying the fact that she was not asleep. As she opened her eyes, suddenly alert to his presence, she smiled, stifling a yawn as he lay down beside her, taking her in his arms.
"Promise me you will be careful tomorrow?" He asked softly.
"I promise."
"I will be watching for your return…"
"I'll try not to be late!" She said lightly, but he did not laugh, only gently tilted her head so that her eyes met his.
"I mean it. I'm not going to lose you when I've only just found you." She leaned up and kissed him.
"I don't intend on getting lost." He raised an eyebrow and she nodded, suddenly serious. "I promise, Elrohir. I promise." And with that, they lay back, and he sang softly to her until her eyelids dropped, and she fell asleep.
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A/N: Please review and tell me what you think!
