Disclaimer: Previous disclaimers apply to this chapter as well as to the rest of the story.

Author's Note: Hehe, I actually read my story over again on and I realized, wow, the whole thing happened in a matter of a few days! So in this chapter, two months have now passed, so I can get them to hurry to their journey LOL. I think the next few chapter will pay more attention to the action and adventure part This chapter was inspired by Nelly's song 'Dilemma' featuring Kelly Rowland from Destiny's Child.

01/17/06 - Yes, I've noticed that when I get caught up in the romantic parts of the story, I totally forget all else. I'll try to keep the actual LOTR story in mind in the 2nd part of this story.

The Imperfect One

By: JDArc

Chapter Eleven: Dilemma

Elenmírë sat with her back against the bark of a sturdy elm in the clearing where she and Mary Sue had been training together every morning for the past two months. Boromir and Legolas, of course, watched and assisted in every lesson, but Mary Sue, being the near perfect girl that she was, had become an expert in sword fighting and nearly surpassed Elenmírë in her skill…almost, but not quite. Elenmírë, after all, did have thousands of years of experience, but Mary Sue was still one who could challenge any of the Guard of Rivendell, save Elrohir and Elladan, since she had not the chance to duel with them for they were still preoccupied with their own mission these past two months.

That morning's training was no different, and Elenmírë sighed in resignation. Mary Sue was sure to surpass her skill soon, and she knew it was inevitable. They had been civil with each other throughout the training within the two months, but Elenmírë found all ways possible to avoid the girl when not instructing her, especially now that Legolas and Mary Sue had become inseparable since the day Boromir and Elenmírë had left them in the garden under the sycamore. Yes, she was happy with Boromir, and he with her, but…Elenmírë knew that a part of her would always long for Legolas, and she shook her head in disgust with herself. She had finally found someone who actually loved her for who she was, with flaws and all (he had whispered the words to her but three nights ago, and she readily reciprocated them as well), and she had spent nearly all her life looking for that. But she found it repulsive that no matter how much she had grown to love Boromir, Legolas still had custody of her heart in some way.

She looked to her left where Boromir was sitting quietly beside her, with her hand in his as he closed his eyes in contentment, letting out a sigh of relief that the training was over for the day, and her heart did flutter at the sight of him, but…there was something missing, and she knew it. She turned her attention back to the couple that had proceeded to leave the clearing as soon as Elenmírë had dismissed them for the day.

Mary Sue clung to Legolas's arm as they headed toward their separate rooms to prepare for tonight's dinner, and their laughter reached her Elven ears, reverberating and slicing into her consciousness. Elenmírë envied them for appearing so cheerful together, but at the same time, it gave her joy to see Legolas's face light up with happiness. She hated herself for being so torn, so confused, when she knew she had every right to be just as happy as they, with Boromir by her side. She frowned. She had thought that by being with Boromir, Legolas would fade from her thoughts, but the opposite was true. Each and every day, Legolas consumed her mind and forever lingered there, stubbornly torturing her with his image, his soft words, his loving glances, slowly driving her mad.

She felt herself being pulled gently into a warm embrace, and she looked up into Boromir's tender eyes, before he leaned down and lovingly brushed his lips against hers. She shivered, and he tightened his arms around her, softly rocking her. She found her fingers caressing the smooth exterior of his cheek as he deepened their kiss, his lips and tongue tasting her, drinking her in. His warm breath comforted her from her disturbing thoughts, and she felt herself drowning in his scent of elm and birch. Yes, she loved Boromir; there was no doubt, and although Legolas still remained in her heart somewhere, insisting and pursuing her relentlessly, Boromir always knew the right way to remind her of his love for her and knew how to ignite the flame of her love for him as well.

"My dearest heart," he whispered when his lips finally left hers, and she smiled at the endearment. They merely sat there for several peaceful moments, staring into each other's eyes before his clouded over somewhat, and she felt the tremble in his arms.

"What is it, love?" she asked, concern worrying her brow. She played with several strands of his silky hair through her fingertips, waiting for his answer. Studying his fair face, she felt all her defenses weaken somewhat; Boromir was a beautiful being inside and out, and she could not believe that out of all maidens, he had chosen her. She did not feel worthy of his love, but felt lucky all the same that she was its recipient.

"I cannot help but think of the future, no matter how bleak it seems," he murmured softly. "When I gaze into your eyes, there is no other desire in my heart stronger than the one of bringing you with me to Minas Tirith, but it seems so far and out of reach." His melancholia of late had been disquieting, and Elenmírë started at his words. 'He wants me to go home with him?' she thought, panic settling in for a moment. 'Why had he not said anything before?' She managed to keep her breath steady as she contemplated over the meaning behind his words. Did he want her as his wife? After two months of courting, she should have given at least a thought to the possibility, but she was still reeling from the fact that someone actually loved her and marriage was far beyond her comprehension at the moment. Could she spend her life with Boromir by her side as her husband? And if she could, she was still Half-Elven, but because she was not truly of Lord Elrond's line, would she be able to have the chance to chose between her immortal life and the life of Men? A sudden realization came over her as these thoughts raced through her head in the mere seconds of silence she had before she could give him a comforting reply: Yes, she would marry him if given the chance. Even if her heart did belong to Legolas, he surely did not want her when he had Mary Sue, and Boromir was a noble man who would be a wonderful husband to her. Shaking out of her thoughts, she clung to Boromir, forcing all images of Legolas out of her head.

"Ah, love, everything will turn out as it should in the end," she whispered soothingly, trying desperately to ease his anxiety of the journey ahead. "Remember the Prophecy, Boromir? We will overcome this evil, and we will be free to-"

"I cannot settle the disquiet in my heart, Elenmírë," he cut in. His eyes misted with sadness. "I feel a sense of dread creep into my bones when I think of what we must do, and…and I am scared." She whispered comforting words in Elvish, despite the fact that he knew not what she said, and she leaned her head in the nook where his neck met his shoulder, grazing her lips across the soft flesh there before tracing a feather-light trail of kisses along his jaw until their lips met once more.

"Please, worry not, love," she pleaded quietly. "We shall fight our way through this darkness." He said nothing, but drew her closer to him, and together they studied the beauty of Rivendell, peacefully listening to the steady beating of their hearts.

"This is unexpected," a voice called out just behind them, and they both jumped at the sound. Elenmírë felt a flush smear her cheeks, knowing that there was only one person who could truly catch her at unawares, and she ran toward the source of the voice, her arms spread open.

"Elladan!" she cried out as he stepped out from behind a birch, grinning foolishly, and he caught her in his arms and twirled her around.

"Mírë!" he laughed, "it is wonderful to see you again!" Boromir approached them, a smile on his lips as he held out his hand in greeting. "Boromir of Gondor!" Elladan boomed in greeting.

"Hello, Elladan!" he answered jovially, and a shy Elenmírë moved to his side, taking his hand in hers. "Yes, I guess you could say this was unexpected, but I can honestly say I never found happiness until now." Boromir's eyes twinkled as he looked down at his love, who now appeared flustered at his words.

"Oh, stop," Elenmírë muttered dryly, rolling her eyes playfully as she shook her head in embarrassment. Elladan laughed heartily.

"I am pleased someone has finally captured my dear sister's heart," he stated simply as he took her other hand and linked it through his arm, and Elenmírë felt herself blush to an even darker shade of crimson, not from embarrassment this time, but from shame.

'If he only knew who,' her heart pointed out.

"Let us all leave for dinner, shall we?" Elladan's voice brought her attention back to the present conversation.

"You will tell me what you've discovered, will you not, Elladan?" she pleaded as they all walked together out of the clearing. "I have sorely missed both you and Elrohir!"

"Oh?" he teased with an amused grin, though his eyes betrayed his worries of his travels. "Surely, you could not have missed us that much, especially with Boromir to keep you company?" She knew he was diverting the conversation away from her previous question, and she gracefully followed his lead, jotting down a mental note to ask him later, as she feigned a look of intense consideration.

"Actually, you're right," she said, shrugging indifferently, and Boromir guffawed. "Come to think of it, I really did not miss you all that much." A grin played upon her lips as her brother joined in Boromir's laughter.

"Ah, Boromir," he said, addressing the Man, "you have found yourself a feisty one. Are you sure you still want her?" Boromir's eyes twinkled down at her again and nodded his head.

"I have never been more sure of anything else," he said wistfully, and she gently squeezed his hand in affection, but her heart remained heavy with the weight of her weakness for Legolas.

'You love Boromir,' she scolded herself silently as the two males continued the conversation as they walked through the corridors.

'But you love Legolas, as well, don't you?' another part screamed at her, and from the painful throbbing in her chest, she assumed it to be her heart.

'I do not know him well enough to love him!' her mind yelled just as fervently.

'But you love him all the same! Love at first sight-'

'Does not exist!'

'If you insist…'

'Well…it doesn't…'

'You don't sound too sure of yourself…'

'I love Boromir!'

'Like I said, if you insist…'

The mental argument between her mind and her heart finally stopped as they reached her room, and she shook her head in amazement at herself. The relationship between her mind and her heart had never been estranged until now, and she was at a loss at which to follow. She lifted her eyes to look at the two who had escorted her to her room, and by their stares, it seemed as though they had been awaiting some sort of answer from her, and she bit her lip apologetically.

"I am sorry," she stammered, looking at one and then the other. "You must excuse me; it seems my mind had drifted for a moment." 'Only a moment?' her heart drawled sarcastically, and her mind countered with a threatening pound of the beginnings of a headache. "What was it you asked?"

"Are you feeling ill, my Lady?" Boromir asked again gently, concern wrinkling his brow, and she felt a pang of regret tinged with guilt that she could not completely give her heart to this amazing person. She smiled weakly, and shook her head.

"No, I will be fine," she assured the two of them. "I just need to wash up for dinner, and I will be ready momentarily." Elladan nodded and moved to leave, but paused in amusement to watch Boromir bring Elenmírë's hand to his lips, leaving a gentle kiss on her palm, and not once did they break their gaze.

"I shall be ready to escort you when you are, dearest heart," he whispered in a low tone, forgetting that Elladan could still hear him with his acute hearing. Elladan shot her a foolish smile, and as she flicked her hand in irritation to dismiss him, he let out a hearty laugh before leaving to his quarters. With Elladan gone, Elenmírë pulled Boromir close and brushed her lips softly against his before ducking away into her room where a giggling hand maid greeted her.

"And I thought I would never see the day when the Lady Elenmírë would ever allow anyone to do such a thing as kiss her hand," Annaril teased as she lead Elenmírë to her bath. Annoyed, Elenmírë flicked water in her direction, causing her friend to squeal.

"Will you ever stop this incessant babble?" she groaned, allowing herself to relax in the warmth of the water. She was in no mood for more teasing; she would receive enough of it from her brothers as soon as she entered for dinner, she was sure. Even more maddening was the constant advice Arwen loved to give her at any opportune moment. If there were a time where she could find peace away from it all, she gladly took it, and she was not about to let Annaril spoil it for her.

"You know I am just delighted at the turn of events, arwenamin," Annaril sighed, taking note of Elenmírë's foul mood. "It is assuring to see someone finally break through that barrier of yours to steal your heart."

"The thief," Elenmírë muttered wryly. "I will be sure to set out the appropriate punishments for him later on." Annaril sighed and rolled her eyes at the Lady's sarcasm.

"He is saving your life, you know," she whispered quietly, and Elenmírë looked up sharply at her.

"What do you mean?"

"If I may be so bold to say such a thing, but before you met Boromir, I-I feared for you, my Lady," she muttered, folding clothes to detach herself somewhat from the conversation. She knew she was treading on unsteady ground by speaking her mind; Elenmírë could be proud to the point of being stubborn.

"Whatsoever for?" Elenmírë demanded indignantly, straightening up in her bath. "I am well, as you can plainly see! I can take care of myself."

"I never intended to imply that you could not," Annaril quickly explained, her eyes growing wide before returning to their natural size. She looked away. " I meant no offense, my Lady. I only say the things I do because I am concerned." There was a moment of silence before Elenmírë sighed.

"I know, Annaril," Elenmírë whispered, closing her eyes as she sank even deeper into the water. "Please, continue. I did not mean to lash out at you like I did. I apologize."

"There is no need for you to do so, arwenamin." She bestowed on her a motherly smile. "I understand the past two months have not been easy. Which is why I am grateful that Boromir is in your life." She inhaled deeply before letting out a slow breath. "I was worried about you because it was only obvious you were fading, and you had even expressed your trepidations as well." She set out Elenmírë's clothes as she spoke. "I am so happy that you have finally found love, found something to live for, Elenmírë. We were close…to losing you." She turned her back to the Lady, not wanting her to see the sadness upon her face.

'Ah, Annaril,' Elenmírë thought silently, 'if only you knew how close I am at the moment to losing myself to my indecisiveness.' It was true that the light of her soul was now easily seen around her, but compared to the others, her light was still so very dim. She was happier, yes, but not fully, at least not yet, and her glow reflected that. Boromir had noticed, of course, but he accepted her reasoning when she blamed it on her fear of the journey.

"Thank you," she replied instead to the hand maiden, "for being one of the few to really care about me, Annaril." Annaril frowned.

"You do not give yourself enough credit, my Lady," she chastised, motioning for her to hurry with her bath. No more was said between them as Elenmírë quickly finished and dressed in her usual attire with her sword at her waist, her bow and quiver on her back. She gave Annaril a soft smile of thanks before she headed out of her door where Boromir waited for her, and hand in hand they walked together to the commons.

The activity in the room was more lively than usual, now that all of the scouts had finally returned from their excursion. Again, as always, Elenmírë's eyes landed on Legolas and Mary Sue at their usual seats at the Head Table as she and Boromir waded through the crowd to reach theirs. And, as was his habit, Legolas always managed to fix his gaze on her the same moment her eyes sought out his, and he nodded in her direction, sending her a welcoming smile. Then on cue, Mary Sue caught his fixed gaze and sent Elenmírë her own forced smile, though her eyes shot daggers at her. Elenmírë sighed. Some things never change. The scene replayed night after night, in different variations of course, but always stuck to the same formula.

They finally reached the table, and she took her seat by her father, who was involved in an intense, private conversation with Aragorn. The Ranger sat on Elrond's other side by Arwen, who greeted Elenmírë with her own beautiful smile, and her eyes twinkled always at the sight of Elenmírë and Boromir together. 'Oh, no,' she thought in discouragement as Arwen, whispered an excuse to Aragorn and Elrond and rose from her seat to approach her sister.

"Ah, Elenmírë, Boromir!" she called out the same greeting every night in her amazingly song-like voice.

"Good evening, dear sister," Elenmírë answered, feeling a smile tug on her lips despite her annoyance. Arwen gracefully reached their side, planting herself right in the between the two of them as they took their seats.

"And how is the lovely couple tonight?" Arwen asked, raising an eyebrow.

"We are well, Lady Arwen," Boromir answered politely, giving her the same response he always did for the past two months as he nodded his head in her direction. "And how fare you, my lady?"

"Wonderful," she answered automatically, a smile lighting up her already beautifully glowing face. She said no more as she gestured for Boromir to eat the dinner that had been placed before him, and Elenmírë reached for the sliced fruits on her plate when Arwen gently touched her arm. "We must talk, Elenmírë," Arwen said so quietly that only she could hear her. "There are a few things I would very much like to give you counsel for."

"Of course." Elenmírë inwardly groaned but smiled all the same at her sister, who looked incredibly pleased.

"I will collect you after you have finished your meal," she whispered before rising from her seat, and raising her voice to its normal pitch, she addressed the two of them. "I cannot express how happy I am for the both of you! We shall all have a chat later!" With that, she smoothly cross back to her seat and sat down.

"As she always says each and every night," Elenmírë whispered, moving into the seat next to Boromir. "I think we get the point." She tilted her head in amusement as Boromir shot her a look as he almost choked on a piece of meat from nearly laughing out loud. "Sorry, love," she apologized, grinning. They spent the remainder of their dinner in comfortable silence as they observed the crowd in the dining hall, and only uttered their welcome to her brothers as they joined them.

As she suspected, Elrohir and Elladan began their teasing almost immediately, and she had to keep her wits about her to keep them from using their most insensitive jokes. However, she soon found that she cared not what they said about her relationship with Boromir (though both she and Boromir were red from embarrassment at their suggestive comments) for their opinion did not matter much, and she kept a small smile on her face. Boromir had changed her a bit during their couple of months together, she realized suddenly. Now that she was sure she had someone to love her for what she was, she cared less of how others perceived her, especially Mary Sue. Her smile grew wider as she studied him interact with her twin brothers; not only did he give her his love, he gave her a bit more confidence as well, and she knew that to share her lifetime with him would only be the least she could do.

Her brothers discovered soon enough that she was not the same. Their comments were heard, but went by unheeded, and it was unusual for Elenmírë to do such a thing. They kept their amazement in check as she gently shook her head at them as if to scold them for their antics, but the genuine smile of happiness on her face was unmistakable, and it even surprised them when she joined in their friendly banter to insult them. They could not faze her like before, and they looked on in appreciation at the Man of Gondor for the positive influence he had on their sister.

"Elenmírë," a soft voice interrupted, and the four of them looked up to Arwen, and nodding, Elenmírë rose to join her. She put her hand up in protest when Boromir rose as well, and he sat back down in understanding.

"I shall not be long," she said to him, her eyes reflecting the love she saw in his, and he caught hold of the hand she had held up, brushing his lips against it, causing a huge smile to spread across both their faces. Arwen suppressed a giggle as she gently tugged on Elenmírë's other arm, pulling her away. Linking their arms together, they left Boromir to the relentless teasing of the twins.

The two sisters walked in silence, Elenmírë letting Arwen lead the way, and they arrived in the tiny glen of weeping willows where Elenmírë and Boromir had shared their first kiss. They settled on the grass underneath the tall sycamore, watching the final caresses of the sun's last rays on the night sky, and Elenmírë dared to break the peace and spoke first.

"What was it that you wanted to talk to me about, Arwen?" she asked, tilting her head in curiosity.

"It is about Aragorn," Arwen stated simply, never taking her eyes from the rising moon. "He is troubled by this quest. His time has come to reclaim the throne of Gondor and lead his people against this darkness. I know I cannot take part of this journey with him, but you will." Her love for Aragorn shone brightly on her face, and once again, Elenmírë felt intimidated by her beauty, grateful that the coming night hid her bland face from Arwen. Instinctively, she sucked in her belly as to hide her bulge, unable to totally free herself of her self-consciousness.

"What is it that you ask of me?" Elenmírë inquired, and Arwen finally turned to look at her.

"Be there for him," she answered bluntly. "He does not disclose his fears easily, but you are his closest friend on this journey, Elenmírë, next to Mithrandir. I know he can take care of himself physically, but I am worried about his mentality, especially with all the pressures he must face concerning his rightful title." Elenmírë nodded. "Please, make sure he is alright."

"Of course, Arwen," she agreed. "I will do it not only because you ask it of me, but because, as his friend, it is my obligation." Arwen smiled, supplying the glen with her inner glow.

"Thank you," she said gratefully, giving her a hug. Pulling back, a mischievous look crossed her face, and she lifted her eyebrow in question. "So how are things with Boromir?"

Elenmírë let out an exasperated groan, and shook her head. "I knew I would not be able to escape your curiosity so quickly," she sighed, grinning.

"What are sisters for?" she laughed back. "Come, you have not told me much, and he has been courting you for two months! Two months, Elenmírë! How dare you not share your intrigues with me!"

"Oh, with Annaril's pestering questions, I only hoped to avoid any more," she said, joining her laughter, and their voices lifted into the night air, mixing amid the various songs of the nightingales.

"Come now, when did he first kiss you?" Arwen asked, her eyes shining, and Elenmírë blushed. They had never really confided in each other concerning such things before (not that Elenmírë had much experience before Boromir, nor did she want to hear such details from Arwen about Aragorn; jealousy prevented her from asking such inquires in the past), but Elenmírë had to admit, there was a sense of excitement now, recalling her feelings during that special moment with Boromir, and it made her beyond giddy to finally be able to share something like this with Arwen.

"It was the day of my first fouled attempt to train Mary Sue," she answered, wrinkling her nose as if a putrid smell had suddenly engulfed her. She gestured to the bridge over the small stream just to the left of where they sat. "It was there, in the middle of that bridge." Arwen giggled as she shot a glance to the spot before turning her attention back to Elenmírë.

"Well, how was it?" she demanded eagerly, and Elenmírë's eyes widened, and she looked away as she recalled the feelings, the sensations, and she felt her neck heat up with warmth.

"At first, it was…strange," she commented shyly. "I did not know exactly how to respond, but when our mouths opened and…and…I cannot believe I am telling you this!" She buried her face in her hands, and Arwen let out a loud peal clutching her stomach as she struggled to breathe.

"Let me guess," she stammered between her howls of laughter. "Your mind went completely blank and you lost all feeling in your knees and you felt like you were about to topple over had he not had his arms around you? There were stars bursting underneath your closed lids and you saw dazzling firework displays much like Mithrandir's conjured tricks!"

"Is that how it is supposed to feel like?" Elenmírë asked blankly, unable to close her mouth before the words slipped through. "Oh I did not mean it like that!" But Arwen's eyes grew as wide as saucers and her jaw dropped slightly.

"You mean, that was not how it felt?" she asked, her voice barely audible.

"Well…well, I…I-I did feel rather weak," Elenmírë stammered, her face heating up. "It felt wonderful, and I did rather protest when he stopped-" the corners of Arwen's lips twitched up at this,"-but firework displays and the stars and such…there were none." She bit her lip as she struggled to analyze the clear look of puzzlement on the Evenstar's face. "Is that odd? Do you see glittering lights underneath your lids when you and Aragorn…?" Her voice trailed off, shifting uncomfortably, and she could not believe she had asked a question she would not have dared to ask many years before.

"Yes, beyond any doubt, I do," Arwen said automatically, a faint pink touching the apples of her cheeks, "and each kiss we share feels exactly like the first…it is difficult to explain." She shook her head slightly. "I do not know what this means between you and Boromir, but he makes you happy, does he not?"

"Yes," Elenmírë confirmed with a sure nod, and Arwen settled back to lean against the bark of the sycamore.

"Then that is all that matters," she assured her sister, smiling. "What happened next?" Elenmírë shrugged.

"Nothing really," she stated, furrowing her brow as she recalled the events. "He just held me in his arms, and then Legolas-" she cut off her voice to inhale sharply before beginning again, "H-He had been watching us again the entire time from this very sycamore, and he finally made his presence known after it had happened. " Arwen's posture snapped straight in surprise.

"Again?" she repeated. "He watched you before?" She shook her head in amazement at how interesting the entire story was turning out.

"Yes. He was in the foliage the other time when Boromir was about to kiss me in one of the other gardens, but before he could, Legolas threw an acorn directly at him, succeeding in hitting Boromir in between his brows." Elenmírë bit her lip, recalling the mischievous smile that Legolas had given her after she had caught him, and she could not stop her heart from leaping excitedly at the memory. "I honestly did not know what had gotten into him to incite him to do such a thing." Arwen was quiet a moment before she spoke, her words clearer than the ringing of silver trumpets.

"Legolas is in love with you," Arwen stated matter-of-factly, crossing her arms at her conclusion.

"Wh-What!" Elenmírë spluttered hotly, shaking her head in denial. The thought had crossed her mind a few times before, but hearing it spoke aloud was…unnerving. "Of course not, Arwen! That is ludicrous! He has that beautiful, perfect girl, Mary Sue, and-"

"He's using her to make you jealous."

"Yes!" Elenmírë exclaimed, and then let out a low growl. "No! Arwen, let me finish! You are distracting me." But Arwen shook her head.

"Elenmírë, in all the talks I have tried to have with you about Boromir, not once did I see this sort of passion from you, and the mere mention of Legolas' name makes you jump," she said calmly, her voice pacifying. Elenmírë folded her hands nervously over her lap, refusing to look up. "I know you love Boromir, dear sister, it is written plainly across your face. But maybe…he is your love, but not your true love, Elenmírë." Before Elenmírë could counter with a reasonable retort, the sound of footsteps hushed their voices and they turned to see Aragorn walking in their direction. He smiled apologetically at having disturbed them, but Elenmírë was on her feet and gestured for him to sit by Arwen.

"No, please stay, Aragorn," she insisted, shooting a furtive glance at her sister who was all smiles at the sight of her lover. "I was just about to leave anyway." She grasped her sister's hand and gave it a squeeze before walking back toward the terrace that led to her room. 'Legolas in love with me?' her mind scoffed. 'That is just ridiculous! Of all the things she had to say…' She paused a moment down the corridor that led to her chambers when she felt her heart call out for her to turn and flee down the other direction. She paused, resting her hand on a railing, and her heart once again fluttered vigorously, pleading with her. "Oh, why not," she muttered to herself, and allowed her feet to carry her down another hallyway, not knowing what exactly she was looking for nor where precisely her heart was trying to lead her to.

Her heart finally resumed a normal heart rate when she found herself in a circular gazebo set underneath Higan cherry trees. The moonlight filtered through the branches and the arched top of the gazebo, and she idly wondered why she felt so drawn to the place. When she was younger, she loved to read there when the trees were in bloom, and their pink and red flower petals would fall softly onto the pages of whatever books she carried with her, delighting her to no end. She smiled at the memory, when unexpectedly, her heart pounded harshly against her ribs. She turned around, feeling a presence of a person behind her, and inhaled sharply.

The moonlight only enhanced his ethereal glow, casting his blond locks silver, and in the stillness of the night, his blue eyes shone softly in her direction, a soft smile playing on his lips. His arms hung calmly to his sides, and his head was tilted slightly as he studied her. He whispered but one word in a question, as if unsure of the vision in front of him. "Elenmírë?" Her spine tingled as her name rolled off his tongue; she felt paralyzed. Only three feet separated them, and she wondered how he had snuck up behind her. Only Elladan could do that…

"Legolas," she replied back in greeting, unable to keep the tremor from her voice. "I see you haven't learned your lesson, have you?" she joked lightly, though her voice sounded strained. "Boromir is not here for you to throw acorns at, I'm afraid, but you follow me nonetheless."

"I dare not do such a thing now," he said, never moving a muscle, "not when you are so heavily guarded by your lover." She tried to keep her face impassive, hoping that he could not see how weak he made her feel by merely looking at her.

"Then why are you here, if you had not been following me?" she asked him carefully, desperately digressing away from the mention of Boromir.

"I think, my Lady, that you had followed me here," he said in an equal tone. "I came here to think on my own, but I was here but for less than five minutes when you arrived."

"I did not see you," she said defensively, her eyes flaring a bit, "so you cannot accuse me of following you." A frown tugged on his lips, but he dared not lose their eye contact.

"Nay, my Lady," he said softly, "I do not accuse you; I merely stated what I had hoped was true." Her words caught in her throat, and she swallowed back the retorts she had lined up to shoot at him.

"I should go then," she said hastily, and looked away as she crossed in front of him to leave, but he caught hold of her hand and spun her around to face him.

"Stop running from me, Elenmírë," he whispered in her ear as he pulled her close. "Please, stop." She froze in his arms, unable to stop the heat that burned through her skin at the mere contact of his embrace. She attempted to push him away, but as her hands felt the strong muscular chest through his tunic, O Holy Valar, she was weakening! She felt it in her entire body, and her breath grew shallow at standing so close to him.

"You have to let me go, Legolas," she pleaded, tears forming in her eyes. This was not what she needed to add to her already confused mind, and the only thought she had that moment was to flee into the safety of her chambers. The longer she stayed in his arms, the greater her desire became to fling everything out of her mind and to succumb to the insistent need to feel his lips pressed against hers, to tell him how much her heart longed for him.

"No, you know I cannot do that," he choked out, "not until you tell me there is nothing between us, not until…not until I do this." Her eyes grew wide as his fingers traced her lips before they were replaced with his own, gently tugging at hers, as if afraid she would disappear from his arms in any moment. She fell into the kiss, closing her eyes as she responded, and suddenly, beneath her lids, stars as bright as Eärendil streaked across her conscious mind, as spectacular as any of Gandalf's fireworks. Her knees were close to giving away, but he held her steady with his strong arms. Her heart was soaring, and she felt…free, for the first time. Barely aware of her surroundings, her mouth allowed him access willingly, and his tongue teased her lips and her palette before gently caressing her own tongue, and she gasped at the incredible, almost unbearable heat that rose from her body in response to just one kiss from Legolas…but no, this was not right! She was not supposed to be standing underneath the moonlight with him, no matter how much this kiss made her feel so…completely whole and untarnished. 'Boromir!' her mind yelled insanely at her. 'Think about Boromir!'

Gathering what strength she could, she pressed her palms flat on his chest, blocking out the noise of her protesting heart, and pushed away, stumbling to the floor. He attempted to help her up, but she swatted his hands away. "No!" she cried out firmly. She got up unsteadily, and bringing a hand to wipe the tears that fell, she turned and ran out of the gazebo, forcing her legs to carry her as far away from him as possible. His voice lifted into the air as he called out to her, her name sounding as sweet as wine to her ears, and his hand was stretched out to reach for her, but she had fled too quickly.

"Elenmírë!"

"No, Legolas, no," she whimpered, and she ran blindly, turning this way and that, uncaring of where she would end up, as long as she put as much distance between herself and Legolas. She had no idea how she had let it get so out of control, but she already decided on one thing: she would not tell Boromir. She turned a corner and a sudden impact with something solid nearly caused her to fall backwards, but two steady arms wrapped around her to catch her before she fell. She trembled in his embrace, the familiar scent of him drifting into her nostrils. "Boromir," she cried softly, raising her eyes to look into his face.

"Dearest heart, what is it that ails you?" he asked in alarm, holding her closer to him, and she wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest.

"Just hold me please," she sobbed. 'No, I will never hurt him,' she promised herself vehemently. 'Never again, Legolas, will I allow myself to fall under your spell!' Boromir rocked her softly as her tears subsided, but their hold on each other never waned. When she was finally calm, he said nothing, but bent down and slid one arm under her knees with his other arm cradling her back as he swept her up and carried her to her room.

Annaril was surprised to see her Lady in the arms of the Man of Gondor in such a manner, but she said not one word as he lay her on her bed. He moved to leave, but she turned her head to face him and grabbed a hold of his hand.

"No Boromir, stay," she said softly, and Annaril let out an astonished gasp, but said nothing. His eyes softened as he looked down into Elenmírë's tear-streaked face and nodded, and Annaril placed a hand over her chest, taking deep breaths.

"Yes, I will be back in a few minutes," he replied just as quietly. "Annaril will change you into your sleepwear in the meantime." He nodded in Annaril's direction and walked out of the door, closing it quietly behind him. The hand maiden did not utter one word of protest nor did she scold, seeing how frail Elenmírë now looked. Her light was almost completely diminished, and she could not help but wonder at what would have caused such a thing to happen just when her glow was beginning to grow back to its former bright state. She changed Elenmírë quickly and slipped out of the door just as Boromir approached in his attire, and she averted her eyes from his as she nodded in acquiescence for him to enter.

"Elenmírë?" he whispered as he approached the bed, and she turned to him, holding out her hand to take his.

"Hold me, Boromir," she uttered, and he crept into the bed behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, and she leaned back against him. "I am sorry to have worried you."

"There is no need for an apology, love," he murmured into her ear. "Only when you feel comfortable enough to discuss it will I ask for you to disclose to me what has upset you so. I will not force you to explain everything to me now." She sighed.

"Thank you." He responded by gently leaving a kiss on the tender skin of her neck. His soothing act of affection nearly brought tears to her eyes once more at her foolish lack of self-control. She changed the subject quickly to keep from sobbing again. "So did you ever find out from Elrohir and Elladan of what the Scouts have discovered during their excursion?" He cleared his throat, and she felt him nod against her hair.

"There was no trace of the Black Riders anywhere, though three of their horses have been found drowned at the flooded Ford," he informed her. "Gandalf hopes now that the Ringwraiths are scattered, so the Fellowship must leave quickly. The Enemy, of course, has other servants, but Gandalf believes that if we leave now, by the time they reach the borders of Rivendell to pick up our trail, we will be long gone." She shivered at the news and he held on tighter to her. "Lord Elrond has declared that we leave in seven days time."

"So soon?" Her heart dropped at the words. In a week, she would be gone from the only home she had ever known, leaving behind a wonderful foster family that she loved with almost her entire being. She had to choke back a sob that arose in her chest, and Boromir kissed her cheek softly.

"Shh, love," he pacified. "You must rest." She felt her body relaxing as he held her closer to his warmth, and soon, before her eyes glazed over with sleep, she heard him whisper, "I love you, Elenmírë."

TBC..