Part Four: Legolas' Choice
It was dusk when he reached the courtyard. Earendil twinkled overhead. Sighing wearily, Legolas mounted the steps. "Well, you are a welcomed sight, albeit earlier than expected. " came the soft lilt of Ithilin's voice from the doorway. "Is Aragorn with you?" "Do not speak to me of Aragorn, Ithilin." Legolas growled as he came to stand beside her. Ithilin, who barely reached his shoulders, looked up into his eyes. "You two argued?" she asked, even though she already knew what the answer would be. Legolas reached out and pulled her to him. "Yes," came the pained reply whispered into her hair. Her weight against him was comforting as she nuzzled his chest. He kissed the crown of her head, pulling her tighter against him. He felt her slender velvet clad arms encircle his waist, and relaxed into her embrace. Right now he didn't care who saw them, he needed her comfort. "Are you OK?" "No." ""Come, the others are just sitting down for supper." "I would rather go to my room and soak in a hot bath." He said softly. She chuckled, "A hot bath will do you no good without something hot in your stomach. Come." Pulling him inside, she unbuckled his quiver and set it by the door along with his bow. Legolas caught her waist and kissed her gently. Her hands slid up his outer tunic and came to rest on the back of his neck, deepening the kiss. He wanted her, badly. It was a fair bet that she wanted him as well. She was flushed when they broke apart, but started toward the dining hall. "Wait." He said softly, "You look like you've run a mile at top speed. Rest a minute before we go in." Ithilin laid her head against his chest. His spicy earthy scent calmed her as much as it enticed her. It felt good to be wrapped in his arms. She wanted to stay here forever. However once her breathing calmed and she didn't feel quite so flushed, she pulled away slowly. "Look who I found." She said brightly, as she guided him into the dining hall. "You're back early. Where's -" Elladan began. Ithilin shook her head at the dark-haired twin as the prince stiffened beneath her hand. She knew he would no want to discuss what had happened until much later. "I'm glad you could join us." Lord Elrond said as the prince sat wearily next to Ithilin. "I really wanted to go and soak, but who could resist such enchanting company." He said looking directly at Ithilin. "Besides, she convinced me that I will relax better if I've eaten." Lord Elrond laughed. He could see the young prince was captivated by his ward, and it was quickly becoming much more than mere friendship. "I would bet a mithril vest that she would be able to convince you of just about anything." "You might just be right, Lord Elrond." Legolas chuckled as he brushed a wisp of honey blond hair away from her face. "Eat, my lord. Hot food is far better than cold." She scolded lightly. :I like my food hot and sweet, 'Lin. Does the moon taste sweet, I wonder?: :If you don't eat your supper, you won't find out.: Legolas stuck his tongue out at her and made a face. :Oh yes I will.: Under the table, he squeezed her hand, letting it rest on his thigh. A small mischievous smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Just as Legolas took a drink, she dug her fingers into a particularly ticklish spot on the inside of his thigh. Eyes wide with surprise, the prince choked on the wine. "Are you all right, young one?" The elf lord asked with concern. The younger elf blushed as he tried to regain some sense of composure. "I just tried to breathe my wine instead of drink it." He answered, shooting a warning glance at Ithilin, whose eyes danced merrily. :That is going to cost you, my pretty elf.: :I'm glad that you are in a better mood.: Lord Elrond watched the two young ones closely. He knew Ithilin had caused the young prince to choke on his drink. He also could see the subtle flirting going on. And knowing Ithilin, he would bet that they were speaking directly mind to mind. The looks that passed between them said it all. Elves didn't flirt or court like humans. They had a tendency to keep things low key, telling as few people as possible. However, if one knew what to look for, one would see this for the romance it was.
* * *
Aragorn sat brooding in the clearing long after Legolas stormed off. They both had been angry. However the prince's anger had seem unjustified. He had not been ignoring the elf. They had done things together. Why was he being so demanding? What the prince had said about Arwen had hurt, too. It made him angrier just thinking about it. What was the matter with him? Aragorn was fuming. Legolas had had many lovers in his long life. In fact, the prince had recently broken off a long term relationship with a rather stunning she-elf. Why, he couldn't fathom. But the break had been hard on him. He obviously knew what it was like to be in love. Why couldn't Legolas just accept that Aragorn loved Arwen? He wanted to lay into the elf, he was so angry. It would be a lot easier if Legolas would just get mad at him so they could settle this by trying to kill each other. But the prince always kept his anger in check. The human had no doubt that Legolas could be a deadly adversary. He had seen the elf prince in battle too many times not to know how dangerous his controlled fury could be. Beautiful and deadly. Maybe that's why she-elves didn't stay with him long. How many had rejected him or been the ones to break off the relationship? Countless. That, alone, had to take its toll on the prince's heart. Then a thought struck him. Maybe Legolas had been trying to protect him from going through the same pain. The prince knew that pain all too well. He looked up. Twilight was just beginning to tint the sky. How long had he been sitting here? He should go back home and apologize. He really didn't want to loose his best friend. They had been through too much for him to let their friendship die because of one woman. With that thought in mind, he gathered up his bow and quiver and set out back toward home. He knew that it would be near midnight by the time he reached his father's house, but he had to talk to Legolas. They had to settle this one way or another.
* * * The rest of supper and evening was uneventful. As the young elves started up the stairs, Elrond pulled Ithilin into is study.
"Ithilin," he began as he closed the door, "I saw what happened at supper." "I know you did." "I am also going to urge you and Legolas to consider more caution. I am happy for both your sakes that you have found love. But I need you to remember that he is a prince. His family will dictate who his bride will be. He does not have a choice in this." Ithilin gazed at him calmly. "He does have a choice, Lord Elrond. All of us have free will, Elves and Men alike." "Does he know?" "Yes. In his heart, he knows. He saw it the night we met at the waterfall. But what I am does not mater to him." "That's a comforting thought." "If it had, we would not be having this conversation." A look of concern lit her blue eyes. "He and Aragorn have fought, and I'm pretty sure that its about Arwen." "I've been afraid of this." Elrond sighed. "Let me talk to him." She said. "I don't think that would be wise, youngling." "Why? Lord Elrond, he has never been one to open up willingly and you know that. He doesn't even want Estel to know about us. Legolas will tell me in his own time, not anyone else's" Ithilin opened the door and headed for the stairs. "I'm well aware of the caution that we need to take." "It's just that I don't want either of you to get hurt." "I understand."
* * *
Legolas eased his aching body into the steaming water. He closed his eyes and sighed. He felt his taught muscles relax in the heat of the water. If he wasn't careful, he just might fall asleep here.
"While I'm here I might as well wash off the dirt that has accumulated in the last three days."
"Like elves get so dirty." Came Ithilin's voice from the doorway.
Surprised and slightly embarrassed, the prince sank down a little farther in the tub.
"What-"
"I just thought you might need some help with those hard to reach places."
Legolas smiled nervously, "OK but you stay back there."
"Afraid I'll see what I'm missing?" She laughed at him.
"Yes." He laughed back, "If you peek, you'll only want me more."
Ithilin picked up a washcloth and hung it over the side of the tub. Then she unbound the three braids in his hair and neatly picked them out. When she finished, she ran her fingers through his silky hair.
"If only my hair was so well behaved." She said smoothing it with her hand. "Dunk your head."
Legolas held his breath and ducked beneath the water. When he surfaced he was laughing.
"It's not so well behaved when it's wet." He turned to face her, his wet hair plastered to his skull and sticking to his bare chest. "I haven't been bathed like this since my mother was still with us. I was still very young when she left for the Undying Lands."
"Hand me the soap." She asked as she picked up washcloth and immersed it in the water. "You must miss her."
"Yes, but that was so long ago, Ithilin. I do know that I will see her again." He sat up, grabbed a bottle of lavender colored liquid and handed it to her. "However, I'm not so sure about Estel."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"I think he's pretty angry about what I said about Arwen."
"Your anger was justified, Legolas. He's been ignoring you for quite awhile."
"That doesn't excuse what I said, and you know it."
Ithilin opened the bottle, releasing a calming spicy scent. "Now I know you secret for smelling so good." She chuckled. I've been trying to figure out what that scent is for three weeks and here you keep it hiding in a bottle."
The prince laughed, "OK. I admit it. I'm a vain creature. I love the smell of Moonflowers. Don't say a word."
"Not a word." She said as she poured some of the purple liquid onto the washcloth and his hair then handed it back to him. Laying the cloth over his shoulder, she began to work the soap into his hair. "So, what did you say to him?"
"I said that Arwen was arrogant enough for all the elves. Then he tackled me, yanked my head back by my hair and pinned me to the ground by putting his knee in my back." He gazed sullenly at the water. He felt Ithilin pick up the washcloth and run it across his shoulders, back and neck. "He said that he didn't want me to say anything against her again."
Ithilin pushed him under then grabbed a fine toothed bone comb and began combing out the tangles after he surfaced again. "What happened then?" "I threw him off *ouch* and came back here." "Wash!" She threw the washcloth in front of him with a small splash. Legolas wiped the water from his eyes and poured some more soap on the rag. "Let him cool down. Talk to him when he comes home." "You think elves hold *ouch* grudges. You should *ouch* see him. Estel is the *ouch* King of Grudge Holding." "Give it time. He doesn't realize that elvish courting is different from human. We're a bit more secretive about it." "You would think that after all the women he's teased me about *ouch* he'd be able to take it." "Have you told him about us?" "No. I want to wait." Ithilin nodded. Just as it was with Aragorn's defending of Arwen, so it was with this proud young prince. "Why?" "Because, I don't want to do to him what he did to me." "Is it because its different this time?" she asked, gently pulling his head back so she could see his sapphire eyes. "Yes." He answered quietly as he closed his eyes. "But unfortunately my marriage is already being arranged. I do not have a choice in this, Ithilin. I wish to the Valar I did." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed the tip of his ear, laughing softly at his involuntary shudder of pleasure. "That washcloth isn't nearly big enough." She whispered playfully biting his ear. "Out!" he gasped over a chuckle. Ithilin threw a towel at him, hitting him in the face as he got to his knees in the tub as she scurried out of the room. "What color breeches do you want?" she asked from the bed chamber. "Pick one." He said as a pair of sapphire silk velvet leggings appeared in the doorway. Quickly he padded over and took them from her, and slipped them on. "I swear, you are a bigger peacock than I am." She said gazing around the open wardrobe as he stepped out of the bath chamber, tying the leather lacing of his breeches. "Come here, woman." His eyes sparkled impishly, making a grab for her. Only she danced out of his reach and leapt onto the bed. "You're not safe there, little one." He laughed, hopping lightly onto the foot board. Just as he stepped down onto the mattress, she giggled and darted out of his reach again. After a while, he finally trapped her in a corner. Both of them were giggling helplessly and flushed from their chase, but Legolas managed to drag her back to the bed. He scooped her up and tossed her onto the deep burgundy comforter. Before she could escape, he straddled waist and began to unhook her bodice. "No, Legolas." She breathed, stilling his hands. "As much as we both want this, we can't." "Ithilin," he panted, leaning over her, his damp hair falling over his slender, powerful shoulders. Ithilin could see it in his eyes. His arousal had gone beyond reasoning with. They had taken it too far. She trembled at his touch. She wanted this, but how could it lead to anything but heartbreak. She closed her eyes, trying to bring her body back under control. "Don't," he whispered, his lips brushing her ear. "I'm well aware of what will happen should I lie with you. I have never wanted a lover like this. Let this happen, Ithilin."
"But what of-" He cut her off, his mouth seeking hers hungrily. Her hands tightened on his thighs. A soft joyful cry escaped her throat as she arched into him. Her breath quickened and her pulse raced. She felt the last hook yield. As he explored the soft flesh beneath his slender, callused hands, she gasped with pleasure. Her world narrowed to the elf prince whose gentle, experienced hands sent fire coursing through her. "I need you!" she whimpered, her eyes half closed. She fumbled with the laces on his leggings. "Nay, a'maelamin," he chuckled throatily, silencing her struggling fingers with one hand, "the time is not yet right." Legolas got up and extinguished all but one candle in the room. As he climbed back into the bed, he pulled the bed curtains closed. Sunrise would come all too soon, and he did not want it to creep in upon their love- making. Ithilin had not moved. Her breath still came if fast and short. It would not be long now. "Ithilin?" he whispered as he straddled her waist again. "I am frightened, Legolas. I've never-" She trembled beneath him. "I know," he said gently as he kissed her throat, "We will take it slow. Let me know if I hurt you." She arched into him again, "This is forever, love. To thee do I bind myself, Ithilin." "To thee am I bound, Legolas." Her musical voice barely above a whisper.
It was dusk when he reached the courtyard. Earendil twinkled overhead. Sighing wearily, Legolas mounted the steps. "Well, you are a welcomed sight, albeit earlier than expected. " came the soft lilt of Ithilin's voice from the doorway. "Is Aragorn with you?" "Do not speak to me of Aragorn, Ithilin." Legolas growled as he came to stand beside her. Ithilin, who barely reached his shoulders, looked up into his eyes. "You two argued?" she asked, even though she already knew what the answer would be. Legolas reached out and pulled her to him. "Yes," came the pained reply whispered into her hair. Her weight against him was comforting as she nuzzled his chest. He kissed the crown of her head, pulling her tighter against him. He felt her slender velvet clad arms encircle his waist, and relaxed into her embrace. Right now he didn't care who saw them, he needed her comfort. "Are you OK?" "No." ""Come, the others are just sitting down for supper." "I would rather go to my room and soak in a hot bath." He said softly. She chuckled, "A hot bath will do you no good without something hot in your stomach. Come." Pulling him inside, she unbuckled his quiver and set it by the door along with his bow. Legolas caught her waist and kissed her gently. Her hands slid up his outer tunic and came to rest on the back of his neck, deepening the kiss. He wanted her, badly. It was a fair bet that she wanted him as well. She was flushed when they broke apart, but started toward the dining hall. "Wait." He said softly, "You look like you've run a mile at top speed. Rest a minute before we go in." Ithilin laid her head against his chest. His spicy earthy scent calmed her as much as it enticed her. It felt good to be wrapped in his arms. She wanted to stay here forever. However once her breathing calmed and she didn't feel quite so flushed, she pulled away slowly. "Look who I found." She said brightly, as she guided him into the dining hall. "You're back early. Where's -" Elladan began. Ithilin shook her head at the dark-haired twin as the prince stiffened beneath her hand. She knew he would no want to discuss what had happened until much later. "I'm glad you could join us." Lord Elrond said as the prince sat wearily next to Ithilin. "I really wanted to go and soak, but who could resist such enchanting company." He said looking directly at Ithilin. "Besides, she convinced me that I will relax better if I've eaten." Lord Elrond laughed. He could see the young prince was captivated by his ward, and it was quickly becoming much more than mere friendship. "I would bet a mithril vest that she would be able to convince you of just about anything." "You might just be right, Lord Elrond." Legolas chuckled as he brushed a wisp of honey blond hair away from her face. "Eat, my lord. Hot food is far better than cold." She scolded lightly. :I like my food hot and sweet, 'Lin. Does the moon taste sweet, I wonder?: :If you don't eat your supper, you won't find out.: Legolas stuck his tongue out at her and made a face. :Oh yes I will.: Under the table, he squeezed her hand, letting it rest on his thigh. A small mischievous smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Just as Legolas took a drink, she dug her fingers into a particularly ticklish spot on the inside of his thigh. Eyes wide with surprise, the prince choked on the wine. "Are you all right, young one?" The elf lord asked with concern. The younger elf blushed as he tried to regain some sense of composure. "I just tried to breathe my wine instead of drink it." He answered, shooting a warning glance at Ithilin, whose eyes danced merrily. :That is going to cost you, my pretty elf.: :I'm glad that you are in a better mood.: Lord Elrond watched the two young ones closely. He knew Ithilin had caused the young prince to choke on his drink. He also could see the subtle flirting going on. And knowing Ithilin, he would bet that they were speaking directly mind to mind. The looks that passed between them said it all. Elves didn't flirt or court like humans. They had a tendency to keep things low key, telling as few people as possible. However, if one knew what to look for, one would see this for the romance it was.
* * *
Aragorn sat brooding in the clearing long after Legolas stormed off. They both had been angry. However the prince's anger had seem unjustified. He had not been ignoring the elf. They had done things together. Why was he being so demanding? What the prince had said about Arwen had hurt, too. It made him angrier just thinking about it. What was the matter with him? Aragorn was fuming. Legolas had had many lovers in his long life. In fact, the prince had recently broken off a long term relationship with a rather stunning she-elf. Why, he couldn't fathom. But the break had been hard on him. He obviously knew what it was like to be in love. Why couldn't Legolas just accept that Aragorn loved Arwen? He wanted to lay into the elf, he was so angry. It would be a lot easier if Legolas would just get mad at him so they could settle this by trying to kill each other. But the prince always kept his anger in check. The human had no doubt that Legolas could be a deadly adversary. He had seen the elf prince in battle too many times not to know how dangerous his controlled fury could be. Beautiful and deadly. Maybe that's why she-elves didn't stay with him long. How many had rejected him or been the ones to break off the relationship? Countless. That, alone, had to take its toll on the prince's heart. Then a thought struck him. Maybe Legolas had been trying to protect him from going through the same pain. The prince knew that pain all too well. He looked up. Twilight was just beginning to tint the sky. How long had he been sitting here? He should go back home and apologize. He really didn't want to loose his best friend. They had been through too much for him to let their friendship die because of one woman. With that thought in mind, he gathered up his bow and quiver and set out back toward home. He knew that it would be near midnight by the time he reached his father's house, but he had to talk to Legolas. They had to settle this one way or another.
* * * The rest of supper and evening was uneventful. As the young elves started up the stairs, Elrond pulled Ithilin into is study.
"Ithilin," he began as he closed the door, "I saw what happened at supper." "I know you did." "I am also going to urge you and Legolas to consider more caution. I am happy for both your sakes that you have found love. But I need you to remember that he is a prince. His family will dictate who his bride will be. He does not have a choice in this." Ithilin gazed at him calmly. "He does have a choice, Lord Elrond. All of us have free will, Elves and Men alike." "Does he know?" "Yes. In his heart, he knows. He saw it the night we met at the waterfall. But what I am does not mater to him." "That's a comforting thought." "If it had, we would not be having this conversation." A look of concern lit her blue eyes. "He and Aragorn have fought, and I'm pretty sure that its about Arwen." "I've been afraid of this." Elrond sighed. "Let me talk to him." She said. "I don't think that would be wise, youngling." "Why? Lord Elrond, he has never been one to open up willingly and you know that. He doesn't even want Estel to know about us. Legolas will tell me in his own time, not anyone else's" Ithilin opened the door and headed for the stairs. "I'm well aware of the caution that we need to take." "It's just that I don't want either of you to get hurt." "I understand."
* * *
Legolas eased his aching body into the steaming water. He closed his eyes and sighed. He felt his taught muscles relax in the heat of the water. If he wasn't careful, he just might fall asleep here.
"While I'm here I might as well wash off the dirt that has accumulated in the last three days."
"Like elves get so dirty." Came Ithilin's voice from the doorway.
Surprised and slightly embarrassed, the prince sank down a little farther in the tub.
"What-"
"I just thought you might need some help with those hard to reach places."
Legolas smiled nervously, "OK but you stay back there."
"Afraid I'll see what I'm missing?" She laughed at him.
"Yes." He laughed back, "If you peek, you'll only want me more."
Ithilin picked up a washcloth and hung it over the side of the tub. Then she unbound the three braids in his hair and neatly picked them out. When she finished, she ran her fingers through his silky hair.
"If only my hair was so well behaved." She said smoothing it with her hand. "Dunk your head."
Legolas held his breath and ducked beneath the water. When he surfaced he was laughing.
"It's not so well behaved when it's wet." He turned to face her, his wet hair plastered to his skull and sticking to his bare chest. "I haven't been bathed like this since my mother was still with us. I was still very young when she left for the Undying Lands."
"Hand me the soap." She asked as she picked up washcloth and immersed it in the water. "You must miss her."
"Yes, but that was so long ago, Ithilin. I do know that I will see her again." He sat up, grabbed a bottle of lavender colored liquid and handed it to her. "However, I'm not so sure about Estel."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"I think he's pretty angry about what I said about Arwen."
"Your anger was justified, Legolas. He's been ignoring you for quite awhile."
"That doesn't excuse what I said, and you know it."
Ithilin opened the bottle, releasing a calming spicy scent. "Now I know you secret for smelling so good." She chuckled. I've been trying to figure out what that scent is for three weeks and here you keep it hiding in a bottle."
The prince laughed, "OK. I admit it. I'm a vain creature. I love the smell of Moonflowers. Don't say a word."
"Not a word." She said as she poured some of the purple liquid onto the washcloth and his hair then handed it back to him. Laying the cloth over his shoulder, she began to work the soap into his hair. "So, what did you say to him?"
"I said that Arwen was arrogant enough for all the elves. Then he tackled me, yanked my head back by my hair and pinned me to the ground by putting his knee in my back." He gazed sullenly at the water. He felt Ithilin pick up the washcloth and run it across his shoulders, back and neck. "He said that he didn't want me to say anything against her again."
Ithilin pushed him under then grabbed a fine toothed bone comb and began combing out the tangles after he surfaced again. "What happened then?" "I threw him off *ouch* and came back here." "Wash!" She threw the washcloth in front of him with a small splash. Legolas wiped the water from his eyes and poured some more soap on the rag. "Let him cool down. Talk to him when he comes home." "You think elves hold *ouch* grudges. You should *ouch* see him. Estel is the *ouch* King of Grudge Holding." "Give it time. He doesn't realize that elvish courting is different from human. We're a bit more secretive about it." "You would think that after all the women he's teased me about *ouch* he'd be able to take it." "Have you told him about us?" "No. I want to wait." Ithilin nodded. Just as it was with Aragorn's defending of Arwen, so it was with this proud young prince. "Why?" "Because, I don't want to do to him what he did to me." "Is it because its different this time?" she asked, gently pulling his head back so she could see his sapphire eyes. "Yes." He answered quietly as he closed his eyes. "But unfortunately my marriage is already being arranged. I do not have a choice in this, Ithilin. I wish to the Valar I did." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed the tip of his ear, laughing softly at his involuntary shudder of pleasure. "That washcloth isn't nearly big enough." She whispered playfully biting his ear. "Out!" he gasped over a chuckle. Ithilin threw a towel at him, hitting him in the face as he got to his knees in the tub as she scurried out of the room. "What color breeches do you want?" she asked from the bed chamber. "Pick one." He said as a pair of sapphire silk velvet leggings appeared in the doorway. Quickly he padded over and took them from her, and slipped them on. "I swear, you are a bigger peacock than I am." She said gazing around the open wardrobe as he stepped out of the bath chamber, tying the leather lacing of his breeches. "Come here, woman." His eyes sparkled impishly, making a grab for her. Only she danced out of his reach and leapt onto the bed. "You're not safe there, little one." He laughed, hopping lightly onto the foot board. Just as he stepped down onto the mattress, she giggled and darted out of his reach again. After a while, he finally trapped her in a corner. Both of them were giggling helplessly and flushed from their chase, but Legolas managed to drag her back to the bed. He scooped her up and tossed her onto the deep burgundy comforter. Before she could escape, he straddled waist and began to unhook her bodice. "No, Legolas." She breathed, stilling his hands. "As much as we both want this, we can't." "Ithilin," he panted, leaning over her, his damp hair falling over his slender, powerful shoulders. Ithilin could see it in his eyes. His arousal had gone beyond reasoning with. They had taken it too far. She trembled at his touch. She wanted this, but how could it lead to anything but heartbreak. She closed her eyes, trying to bring her body back under control. "Don't," he whispered, his lips brushing her ear. "I'm well aware of what will happen should I lie with you. I have never wanted a lover like this. Let this happen, Ithilin."
"But what of-" He cut her off, his mouth seeking hers hungrily. Her hands tightened on his thighs. A soft joyful cry escaped her throat as she arched into him. Her breath quickened and her pulse raced. She felt the last hook yield. As he explored the soft flesh beneath his slender, callused hands, she gasped with pleasure. Her world narrowed to the elf prince whose gentle, experienced hands sent fire coursing through her. "I need you!" she whimpered, her eyes half closed. She fumbled with the laces on his leggings. "Nay, a'maelamin," he chuckled throatily, silencing her struggling fingers with one hand, "the time is not yet right." Legolas got up and extinguished all but one candle in the room. As he climbed back into the bed, he pulled the bed curtains closed. Sunrise would come all too soon, and he did not want it to creep in upon their love- making. Ithilin had not moved. Her breath still came if fast and short. It would not be long now. "Ithilin?" he whispered as he straddled her waist again. "I am frightened, Legolas. I've never-" She trembled beneath him. "I know," he said gently as he kissed her throat, "We will take it slow. Let me know if I hurt you." She arched into him again, "This is forever, love. To thee do I bind myself, Ithilin." "To thee am I bound, Legolas." Her musical voice barely above a whisper.