Disclaimer: I own nothing that is not a Sue or plot device. I don't particularly want them, but I don't think Tolkien does either (he owns everything else) so I claim ownership.

As they nuzzled, Sleipniara felt sparkling fireworks run through her body. She had never felt so wonderful, not even when she was flying, which, before now, she had thought was the greatest feeling ever. It was like pink bunnies dancing a waltz. It was like drowning in a burning sea of glitter while rainbows flashed in joy overhead. It was like the song of pop stars becoming a syrupy waterfall. It was like the sun exploding in a burst of colored sugar. It was like a Skittles commercial.

Shadowfax was feeling the exact same way, but different. To him, it was more like a sweet rain of lemonade. It was like butterflies tap-dancing on your spine. It was like an icy volcano spreading chocolate syrup all over your body. It was like sniffing ice cream. It was like bathing in liquid silk. It was like living in a strawberry milkshake.

She forgives me! he thought. After all I did to her, after all the pain I caused her, she forgives me. She is so very perfect.

At the same time, Sleipniara was thinking, He's so wonderful. How could I have ever done that to him, leaving him like that. He never tried to hurt me.

When at last Shadowfax broke away, they both said simultaneously, "I'm sorry." They laughed nervously. Then Sleipniara's voice grew soft. "Don't be sorry. I shouldn't have run off like that. I was being weak. Warriors shouldn't act like that."

Shadowfax was going to tell her that it wasn't her fault, it was his, but he was distracted. "You're a warrior?"

She blushed and ducked her head. "Yes. Most think it's shameful, that mares shouldn't fight." She picked up her head again and her eyes glowed periwinkle with pride. "But they should! We can fight just as well as the stallions."

Shadowfax stared adoringly at her. "I'm sure you can. When I become King of the herd, I'll make a law about it."

"That would make me very happy."

Shadowfax smiled slyly. ~Do you know what would make me very happy?~ he asked, changing to telepathy so that only she could hear him.

~What?~ she asked, feigning ignorance and moving closer.

~To nuzzle you again.~

~My pleasure.~

The two nuzzled again, blissfully unaware of the figure in the trees behind them, watching their every move.

A/N: OoooIHooo, cliffeeee!?!??!2,11/331,31111!!!!!!!!

A nuzzle being the meeting of two horses' noses, this chapter is a bit…off the wall. Ah well. Logic will die! Sueness shall triumph! And lastly, yet never leastly, *presents all reviewers with an Extra Speshul Deluxe Barn and Stable™ (comes in your choice of Black, Ink, Ebony, or Morgoth's Void) for their My Little Binky™* I wuv you all.