The Heart's True Home

by Lady Silma

The sequel to Shadow of the Past. Valia journeys to Laiquarille (Legolas' home) by the request of Elrond nearly 400 years after Legolas and she parted. Disaster ensues. You do not need to read prequel to understand this story (though it may help).

10. The Edge

Disclaimer: Refer to Chapter One

Title: The Heart's True Home

Author: Lady Silma

Rating: PG

A/N- Hello all. I think you should all be happy to hear that I have written the last chapter to this story about a week ago. There will be 16 chapters in total (excluding the thank you page), for all of those who keep asking about how much longer this will last. I will also start updating faster, hopefully (as fast as my beta can get them to me anyway). So look for updates coming much sooner (hopefully about one a week if all goes well).

As always, thanks go to Davan, my wonderful beta.

-~~*~~-

The Edge

-~~*~~-

            The clouds that had been looming high, a thick blanket that slipped between the expansive blue above and the green earth below, had finally broken into a scattered mosaic of grey and white mingled with blue. The proverbial silver lining rimmed each cloud that day, tugging elven faces upwards, where they had once been cast downwards to avoid the biting cold that had nipped at exposed noses and reddened fair faces over the past week. The change had come just in time, as well. The masquerade was set for the next day, and while there was a ballroom in the palace that was going to be used for the main area for the festivities, wide doors opened onto the green lawn outside that elves could take advantage of if they so wished.

            Taking advantage of the welcome change in weather, the Royal Family decided to escape their duties for the day, leaving the Laiquarille in the capable hands of their appointed advisors. Elowen had declared that a picnic would be the perfect getaway, and Thranduil and Legolas could hardly object to the lady's wishes. The kitchen staff had prepared the family a wicker basket filled with anything they would need or desire while they were gone, sending them towards the stables with fond smiles and commands to have a wonderful time.

            Elowen was flanked by her husband and son, arms resting on theirs as they walked leisurely towards the stables, clothed in garments that were shockingly informal for the rulers of an elven kingdom. 'It is such a wonderful day,' she commented with a sigh of contentment, casting a dazzling smile at both Thranduil and Legolas.

            'One thing is for certain,' Thranduil declared, his lower tone seeming to boom over the delicate syllables of his wife's voice, though it was still as reminiscent of silver made bells as her was, 'we shall not want for anything while we are gone. This basket is so heavy,' he continued, hefting up the basket that occupied his other hand, 'that I have the suspicion that our well meaning attendants have equipped us with everything down to our family heirlooms.'

            Legolas indulged in a laugh, ignoring, though certainly not oblivious, to the fact that his father bent his lean form over to whisper something into his naneth's ear, to which identical blossoms of red bloomed bright in both of her cheeks.

            It was wonderful to have his mother back after such a long separation in Middle-Earth. He had not realized it until they were reunited again in Aman, but he needed a feminine influence in his life. He held his father's advice in high regard, but Legolas found that his mother's opinion on matters offered a different perspective that was equally as important as his father's. If he thought about it, his mother's absence was probably one of his main reasons for never marrying around the age of fifty like most other elves did. In such dark times that he had been born into, a darkness that had bereft him of his own mother, he did not want to risk the possibility of his own children growing up without one or both parents.

            And of course, there was then the problem that Legolas had never met anyone that made him wish to marry while in Middle-Earth. True, there had always been plenty of lovely elf maidens with good breeding and grace, but none had ever appealed to him.

            With a mere blink of his eyes, Legolas sent such thoughts scuttling to the back of his mind, intent on enjoying the time with his parents without casting a dark shadow of brooding over the day. They were drawing near the stable now, and the large wooden doors were all ready stood open in an unspoken invitation.

            Even with their keen elven eyes, it took a moment to adjust to the shadowed recesses inside the stable after the bright rays of Anor that had dazzled their eyes before. Yet their other senses did not leave them lacking in any way. The scent of hay, leather, and horse that mingled together in a familiar blending was the first impression that enveloped the royal family like a comforting blanket. The second, following almost instantly afterwards, was the sound of the horses stirring in their pens, soft whinnies and stamping of feet that floated on the air in a welcome greeting for the recognizable elves that were silhouetted in the doorway. Lastly, due to their elven senses that had been honed after millennium of living, was the faint stirring in the air, an almost vibrating hum, that made each aware that at least another elf was already in the stables.

            These impressions came one after the other, in such a rapid succession that they all seemed to be one. They regained their keen sight just a moment later, quicker than the time it took for them to bat a lash, and Elowen was the first to spot the elf already in the stable.

            'Valia! What are you doing here?'

            Valia, who had not turned when she heard their entrance, thinking it was only the stable hands come to tend to the horses, now snapped her head towards the main door. 'I had thought that I might come visit my horse and perhaps go for a ride, your majesties,' she explained as she inclined her head respectfully in their direction, all the while continuing her soothing stroking of Aglar's velvety nose. She had grown accustomed to Legolas' family over the past weeks, enjoying their company more as she spent more time with them. Legolas' parents, for all their years of wisdom and their intimidating royal air, were pleasant elves to be in company with once Valia had gotten to know them better.

            Disentangling herself from her husband and son's arms, Elowen left them behind to saddle her horse and bring their own out while she went to speak with Valia. 'Were you planning to go somewhere in particular?' she asked nonchalantly, obliging Aglar with a scratch behind the ear when the mare thrust her head towards the new elf who approached.

            'No, not really,' Valia sighed, offering her mare a sugar lump on an outstretched palm. 'I thought I would just ride around the city for a while as I am not familiar with the forest trails.' Valia refused to be so impulsive again and ride out into unknown land when no one knew her whereabouts. She had decided that a ride through the streets of the elven city would be enough to sate her desire for a little exploring out of doors, yet keep her out of harm's way.

            Letting her gaze slide towards Legolas, who she caught watching Valia discreetly through lowered lids, Elowen let an inviting smile spread across her lips. 'We plan to picnic in the forest today. There is a secluded area we enjoy going to that is by a natural waterfall. Perhaps you wish to join us?'

            The furtive glance Valia cast Legolas' direction did not go unnoticed, but Elowen was not sure whether the stolen glimpse should cause worry or delight.

            'I would not wish to inconvenience you or be a burden. No doubt, the times are few and far between when you have a chance to escape the palace for time with your family. I do not wish to intrude.'

            Elowen had prepared for such a response, however, and was quick to clutch Valia's arm and catch the elf-lady unawares as she deftly turned her and began to guide her towards Thranduil and Legolas. 'What say you, my lords?' Elowen asked, her voice ringing clearly through the stables. 'Would you not enjoy the company of Lady Valia on our outing?'

            A quick reply was issued from Thranduil. 'Indeed,' he agreed, casting a faint smile of knowing towards his wife. 'Your company is most welcome, Valia.'

            Legolas suddenly found the intricacies of putting on the leather bridle to require more attention than it usually did, producing a fleeting frown of displeasure to pass across Elowen's features. The two ladies stopped just shy of the horse that was being readied, and Valia shifted uncomfortably, lowering her blue gaze to the floor as only the sound of movements reigned in the air.

            'Legolas?' Elowen questioned at last, her tone flowing with an underlying current that was not lost on Legolas. 'Do you not wish Valia to come with us?'

            If the tensing of Legolas' jaw was any indication, Valia was certain that his answer was most definitely no, but as so many things in her long life had proved to be something entirely different from what they appeared, Legolas' busy hands stilled before he looked unabashedly at Valia. 'I would enjoy nothing more than her presence.'

            The tone was nothing but polite civility, yet as she met his steady gaze, Valia could not help the way her heartbeat turned slightly erratic. 'You should not be letting your hopes soar so,' her mind quickly admonished her, 'for the inevitable fall will only hurt all the more.' With a silent growl, Valia promptly cast the nagging thoughts aside.

            Or perhaps it was the way he was smiling at her, a dim glimmer of some forbidden promise in the upturned curve of his lips, which sent her overly worried thoughts scurrying to some remote part of her brain where they could not be heard. Valia was abruptly reminded of her conversation with Silia only a few days ago.

'What if he is waiting for you to give him some assurance of hope? What if he will not do anything until you give him some sign that there is still hope for the two of you?'

            Now why did that idea suddenly cause a pleasant fluttering to begin in her stomach, making her feel like a handful of winged insects strayed inside her? Shifting in an abnormal show of discomfort, Valia twined her fingers around the thick hair that spilled over one of her shoulders. 'Do I need to change or bring anything with me?' she asked, glancing from the horse that had just been saddled to the riding outfit she wore.

            'Your company shall suffice,' assured Thranduil while he fastened the wicker basket onto the saddled horse, giving the restraining ropes a final tug to make certain their lunch would not be lost while riding. Meanwhile, Legolas went to two other pens, leading out a finely muscled stallion that Valia assumed was Thranduil's and his own horse, Arod, which she recognized from before.

            'I need to saddle my own horse,' Valia spoke lamely, half hoping, half fearing that they would simply decide that the time it would take to complete such a task was too much an inconvenience for them and they would leave her to explore the city like she had previously planned.

            'There is no need to waste time saddling another horse for you,' objected Elowen, who took Thranduil's offered hand as he helped her mount her horse and then handed her the reins. 'I am sure if Legolas agrees, Arod would willingly carry you as well as him.' It was suggested with such calm nonchalance, as if such a thing was an everyday trifle, that Valia was left bereft of any protest, her mouth slightly parted in stunned awe.

            'Are you adept at riding without a saddle, Valia?' Thranduil questioned as he swung easily astride his crème colored stallion devoid of both saddle and bridle.

            'I have had little practice at it and can never seem to quite master the art,' Valia admitted, taking a step back when Arod suddenly shifted to stand in front of her, Legolas perched atop the wide expanse of the animal's back.

            Thranduil coaxed his horse forward with a stroke of his hand, following his wife who was already riding through the stable doors. 'It will be good practice for you then,' Thranduil called over his shoulder. 'I have every confidence that Legolas will not let you fall nor come to any harm,' he added, a strange tinge creeping into his words that was indiscernible to Valia's shocked state of mind.

            The King of Laiquarille left then, riding away from Valia who was gaping unabashedly at his retreating back and Legolas, whose lips were curved upwards, though whether in a smile or sardonic grimace, anyone would be hard pressed to tell.

            'It seems our fate has been decided then,' Legolas' voice rang down clear from his position above Valia. It was deceptively neutral, like a soft breeze that revealed none of the approaching storm clouds chasing its heels. 'It appears that all that has been left for you to decide is whether you wish to ride in the front or back.'

            'Perhaps,' Valia spoke indecisively; making a last attempt to defy what he had labeled fate as she twirled a plaited piece of Arod's mane between her fingers, 'we could follow them after we saddle my horse?' The ending came out as a strangled question, hardly boasting the confidence that she has wished it to.

            In answer, or possibly he simply ignored her feeble attempt to protest the current situation, Legolas extended his hand down to her. He watched her piercing gaze come to rest on the offered hand, blue eyes regarding it as if it were a gift from Morgoth disguised as an innocuous present of help. He noticed not that he held his breath till she slipped her smaller and more slender hand into his and lifted her eyes to meet his.

            All teasing and lighthearted banter aside, he chose to simply hoist her up in front of him, waiting till she adjusted to the feeling of sitting with one leg on either side of the horse instead of riding in the customary way of a lady.

            'Ready?'

            His breath tickled softly at the sensitive skin of her neck, free from the protective layer of her thick hair that was pulled into a rope of braided honey hair. The single word had the same effect upon her as if he had brushed his fingers lightly across her skin, and she bit her bottom lip, nodding her head slowly in agreement.

            It happened so suddenly that Valia had to wonder if he had planned it. Arod moved forward swiftly without any outward urging from Legolas, who slipped a hand between her arms and waist to draw her closer to him as if anticipating the fact that she would stiffen a moment later from the unexpected movement of Arod.

            Which she promptly did, to her great consternation.

            'Relax,' came his soothing whisper from behind her, while he gently pulled her even closer till her back was nestled against his chest. 'Arod will not let you fall if you trust him. You must relax your stance, Valia. You are too rigid,' he admonished, pinching her hip so abruptly that not only did it do nothing in the way of helping her relax, yet it also caused her to start. Had it not been for Legolas' arm around her waist, which still held her securely against him, she was certain she would have repeated her fall the last time she dared to venture into Laiquarille's forest.

            'What did you do that for?' Valia yelped in both surprise and anger, her brow creasing into a deep valley as his laughter floated through the air around them, engulfing her in a world of silvery mirth.

            'I was merely proving my point,' he explained stoically, not in the least fazed by her protest.

            'Proving your point indeed,' Valia muttered darkly, but let the subject drop as they quickly caught up with Thranduil and Elowen.

            She chose to remain relatively quiet for most of the ride, content to let Legolas and his parent's speak while she listened, only offering small comments when she was spoken to directly. Traveling through the forest by day, and with only wispy clouds that blocked out the sun as effectively as gossamer, Valia was able to see just how charming Laiquarille truly was. Sweet chirping of countless birds echoed through the leafy trees made alive by the winter flowers that added just enough color to prevent the trees' winter dress from becoming drab. As always, she was amazed by the difference from Earsilme, though she was not sure whether she could truthfully say that one place was more beautiful than the other.

            A soft hum started to build in intensity the further their horses ventured into the wilderness, and Valia soon realized that she was hearing what must be the waterfall that Elowen had told her about earlier. Her inquisitive nature, mingled with the spark of adventure that sometimes asserted itself in her blood, was entirely delighted with all the new wonders around her. She was obliviously unaware of the satisfied smiles of approval that settled along the curves of the King and Queen's lips, just as she did not notice the way she was now comfortably reclined against Legolas, who took her weight willingly as he watched all the expressions flit across her face like the brightly colored birds flying from tree to tree overhead.

            So caught up in her examination was she, that Valia blinked in momentary confusion when she realized that Arod had stopped moving below her and Legolas had already dismounted and was lifting his arms to help her down. Swinging her leg over Arod's back, Valia leaned down to rest her hands on Legolas' shoulder as he placed his hands on her hips. He gently set her on the ground before him, and despite the fact that the cloth her outfit was made of was thick to withstand the elements, a shiver curled its way down her spine as the heat from his hands seeped through the fabric.

            'You have arrived safe as promised,' Legolas told her with a mischievous grin.

            'Perhaps,' Valia replied, a little breathless when she became aware of just how close she was standing to him. Even if she wanted to move away, she noticed that it was made conveniently impossible with Arod's broad side behind her and Legolas trapping her between his arms.

            Legolas lifted a disbelieving brow over sparkling emerald eyes. 'Only perhaps?' He shifted back to scan her form leisurely, enticing a red tint into her cheeks not because of the implications of the gesture, but because she became keenly conscious of the presence of the King and Queen only a few paces away from them. 'You seem to have made it completely unharmed,' he pointed out, fully unmoved by the presence of his parents. 

            'Physically, anyway.' but she was not about to voice that thought out loud.

            Ignoring her lack of answer, Legolas released his hold on her, moving to Arod and releasing the horse to do whatever struck his fancy with a whispered word of affection. 'He will come back when I call for him,' Legolas explained uselessly with a graceful shrug of his shoulders. The movement sent his blond hair tumbling in golden waves over his shoulder to sweep against Valia's exposed skin as he came up behind her. Not pausing to ask, Legolas placed a hand on the curve of Valia's back and guided her to the yellow blanket that had been spread out, a stark contrast against the lush grass that carpeted the ground.

            'It is unusually warm today,' Elowen commented from her position on the blanket. She began to deftly rid herself of both riding gloves and the thick overcoat that was buttoned at her waist. 'I do not think I can remember such a pleasant winter day since that uncommon heat spell almost twenty years ago.'

            'That was a welcomed rarity, I remember,' Thranduil reminisced, sinking to sit close beside his wife. 'Everyone had to pull out their summer wardrobe while it was still months away from spring.' He reached for the picnic basket in front of Elowen, only to have his hand slapped away as she sent him a smile to ease the pout from his face.

            'It looks like the attendants anticipated us. There is an extra serving set in here,' Elowen observed as she pulled out a stack of pearl white plates and set them in front of her.

            Valia took the hand Legolas extended her way, allowing him to help her sit even though she was sure she could have managed quite well on her own. 'Do you come here often?' Valia asked as Legolas settled into the empty spot beside her.

            The area where they were seated was gorgeous, not because it had numerous flowers adding bursts of color against the copious golden leaves, but because of its simplicity. There was a mixing of pines of and leafed trees along the perimeter of the small grass opening. The carpet of grass beneath them was thick and rich, a vibrant green despite it being winter. A pleasant rush of water permeated the air, speaking without words of the delights of a waterfall not far in the distance. Birds added a different mixture to the sound, creating a pleasant blending of melodies.

            'We try to come as often as we can,' Elowen explained, swiftly taking out an astounding array of food from the basket that ate up the remaining space on the blanket.

            'But it is hardly as often as we would wish,' Thranduil added.

            The meal went by slowly, hampered from a speedy end by the conversation that flowed as freely between the four as the rich vintage of wine the attendants had packed in the basket as well. Valia forgot for a while that she had not always been a part of Legolas' family, so naturally did she fit in with them while they ate. She greatly enjoyed hearing the many tales Thranduil and Elowen delighted in telling her about escapades from Legolas' childhood, though the dark looks Legolas kept sending his parent's way was proof enough that he was not at all thrilled with all the anecdotes.

            Halfway through a particularly amusing story that involved him thinking that mud pies were actually edible, thanks to the encouraging of a group of older elflings, Legolas abruptly stood up, dragging a laughing Valia with him who was not able to protest the sudden interruption of the story, laughing as hard as she was.

            'I think that I will show Valia the waterfall,' Legolas briskly informed his parents while he was already leading a still laughing Valia away from the picnic blanket.

            Luckily for Legolas, his parents seemed more than happy to let him make a hasty escape with Valia as they leaned close to each other for a soft kiss.

            'Do not stray too far, Legolas,' his father called after his son's retreating back. 'We will be leaving early this evening.'

            There came no response to Thranduil's request since Legolas was more occupied with pulling a bright eyed Valia after him through the trees that stood in sparse clumps around them. He was walking with such long strides that Valia had to jog to keep pace with him, and as soon as they were out of hearing range of his parent's, she tugged on his hand in the hopes that he would slow his pace a little.

            'Forgive me,' Legolas apologized, offering Valia a warm smile that would have had the hardest hearted maiden only too willing to grant his request. He tempered his steps so that she was able to walk comfortably beside him. 'It is not often that my parents find someone that they think is worthy enough to embarrass me with tales from my childhood.'

            Valia's brow rose with mild surprise. 'Worthy enough?'

            Lifting a low hanging branch out of his way, Legolas allowed Valia to pass under first before he dropped it, letting the branch wobble back and forth in silent protest after he had passed under as well. 'They do not recount such stories to just anyone,' he explained, the deep valley of consternation that had settled above the bridge of his nose softening somewhat. 'They like you.'

            If it were not for her hand which was still held securely by Legolas, the statement might have been reason enough for her to pause for a moment. It was not necessarily the words, they were mundane enough, but the implication of such a blunt declaration. Feigned ignorance, she decided, was what this situation called for. 'I am sure the King and Queen like many elves. Surely I am not a novelty.' She hoped that the laugh that followed after her words did not sound too forced.

            Legolas simply offered up a sweet smile and changed the subject. 'I cannot let you journey all the way to Laiquarille without taking you to see this waterfall.' He lifted another branch to let her pass under, all the while keeping a firm hold on her hand, afraid that if he let go, he would suddenly find himself in his bed, just awoke from the pleasant dream he found himself now walking through.

            'Is it very high?' she asked him, tilting her head to one side to try and discern the answer from the roar of the water coming from somewhere ahead of them.

            'No, not very high,' Legolas explained. 'It is just barely the height of two grown elves standing one on top of the other. No,' he shook his head, making his golden hair dance in agreement against his shoulders. 'What is special about this waterfall is the width of it. It stretches out further than most do. It is quite a few yards from one corner to the other.'

            Valia was forced to walk shoulder to shoulder with Legolas when the path they had been traveling suddenly shrank as a rock wall loomed up on one side and a long line of trees on the other. 'Do others come visit this place often?' She could only imagine that if she lived in Laiquarille, she would frequent the waterfall often. It sounded beautiful from what Legolas and his parents had described of it from their ride, and the surrounding area was well worth the trip it necessitated to reach it from the royal city.

            'Not very often,' Legolas replied, absently rubbing his thumb over the smooth flesh of Valia's wrist. 'But many like to come here when they wish to escape city life for a day.' He certainly did, though he did not get the chance to venture out on his own time as often as he would have liked. 'We are almost there now,' he told her, as he extended his stride to quicken their progress as the land started to gently slope downwards.

            Valia was surprised that the sound of the water was not overpowering. In Imladris, the sound from the waterfalls drowned out any attempts at conversation whenever she went with someone. Here, however, the sound was mellow and not nearly as overpowering as it had been in Imladris.

            Watching the excitement play across Valia's face, Legolas smiled before dropping her hand and moving behind her. He brought his hands up to cover her eyes, which produced a gasp of surprise from Valia.

            'What are you doing?' she demanded as she reached up and tried to shove his hands away from her face. She could not see a thing.

            He laughed in response, a lighthearted melody of sound coming from him as he heard a growl escape her before she planted her hands firmly on her hips. Her stance told him all he needed to know. She was not about to play whatever game this was. Of course, he could not really blame her. She did grow up with an older brother, after all. No doubt she had learned the hard way, several times, that she should be very suspicious when someone snuck up behind her and covered her eyes.

            'Do you not trust me, Valia?' he leaned forward and asked.

            'Tell me what you are doing and then I will decide,' she shot back, but he did not miss the way her lips twitched and slowly started to curve into a smile.

            He shook his head in amusement. Whenever he thought he had her figured out, she would always surprise him by breaking out of her normal behavior. She was being surprisingly mischievous right now.  He could almost picture the terror she must have been as an elfling, her curiosity probably winning out over her common sense at times.

            He tugged her to him until her back was resting against his chest. 'Just walk forward and I will guide you,' he stated softly, pressing his lips to her temple to reassure her. At least, that is what he told himself it was for.

            Valia, whose breathing did not seem to be willing to comply with her demands when she was standing so close to Legolas, merely nodded and took a small step forward, emboldened when she did not stumble or trip over anything. It was alarming how secure she felt with him walking right behind her, her back pressed against his chest. Valia turned a cry of surprise into a gasp when she felt a cool spray of water on her face and the ground beneath her feet turned from the hard dirt of the path to something harder and less even, which she assumed was rock.

            Grinning in a perfect resemblance of a delighted elfling, Legolas guided Valia closer to him with his elbows when her body went momentarily rigid with the sudden change in her surroundings. He was careful to make sure that she could still not see anything as he led her to the spot where he wanted her first sight of the waterfall to be. 'Are you ready?' he asked close to her ear when she stood in the perfect spot.

            'Yes,' Valia called back loudly, having to raise her voice over the crashing of water that had grown quite louder once she had stepped onto the rocky ground. It made her suspect that if she reached out a hand in the right direction, she would be able to feel the water falling over her hand.

            When Legolas did not remove his hands soon enough to please her, Valia did so for him, reaching up and guiding his submissive hands lower so that she was able to see. The sight she was greeted to when she first opened her eyes was not at all what she had suspected it to be, and it caused her to pause a moment so that she could understand what she was seeing. A wall of living water was falling before her, appearing where the rock ceiling above her head abruptly ended and dispersing into a deep pool of liquid green water below. She glanced around her, taking in the brown rocks that hemmed her in on all sides but where the water fell in front of her and understanding dawned bright in her eyes.

            'We are behind the waterfall!' she cried in pleasure, turning around to give Legolas an impulsive hug from her sheer joy. Her arms slipped away from him before he could even react as she started to drift down the extensive length of the fall, oblivious to the slow smile that turned the corners of his lips upwards. 'I have never been behind a waterfall before,' she told him over her shoulder, not waiting for him to catch up with her as she blazed a trail forward. Her voice, she soon discovered, bounced off the cavern walls and was magnified so that there was no need to yell over the sound of the water like she would have thought there to be.

            'Now that I cannot believe,' Legolas replied from beside her, having easily caught up with her as she examined the rock walls that shimmered like a brown jewel from the spray of the water on it. 'Do you mean to tell me that in all your years in both Middle-Earth and Aman, you have never walked behind a waterfall before?'

            Valia shook her head, as she turned to face him, clasping her hands behind her back. 'You remember that I did not travel much in Middle-Earth? I stayed mostly in Imladris and the falls there have no space you can walk behind. Earsilme is, as you know, close to the sea so there are really no falls at all to speak of there.'

            Legolas cocked his head and watched her as she passed by him and reached out to hold her hand under the curtain of falling water. He joined her a moment later, passing his own hand underneath the water before pulling it back. 'Well, you will have to tell me what you think of it then. Does it live up to all the descriptions you have read about it in your books?' he asked with a mischievous expression.  

            'It is wonderful,' she conceded, lowering her hand to dry it in the extra folds of her riding breeches. 'Though I had thought that the rocks would not extend as far back as they do,' she added, turning around to peer into the recesses of the natural cave that extended back a few yards. The only reason she could see where it ended was because the sun was shining through the wall of water behind her, filling the cavern with a blue light that danced along the walls with the movement of the water.

            Legolas gave an elegant shrug and wandered past her to where a large rock jutted up in the center of the cavern to create a sort of seat. 'All waterfalls are different, I suppose,' he answered the indirect question in her words. 'In all my journeys, I have never seen two that are alike.' He sat down and beckoned Valia over to him, patting the space beside him for her to sit on.

            'You can almost hear the water singing,' Valia murmured, closing her eyes once she had taken the indicated seat. She sighed in contentment and let her head fall to one side as she listened to the cacophony of sounds that the water created. There was the actual crash of the waterfall as it hit the surface of the pool below, but a mixing of other sounds was added as well; the drip of water as it fell from the soaked ceiling of the cavern into small puddles on the rock floor below, the sound of the stream as the water flowed out of the pool and began its long journey that eventually ended at the sea, and the ripples the waterfall created as they lapped against the rock.

            Valia only opened her eyes again when she sensed Legolas shift beside her and heard the distinct rustling of fabric. She glanced at him curiously, watching as he removed his boots, propping them by his feet. He then proceeded to roll up his leggings to his knees before standing up.

            'Take off your boots and we can sit along the edge there and dip our feet in,' Legolas explained while he pointed to an area of the pool that cut into the cavern and extended back far enough from the waterfall that they would not be drenched if they sat for a while. Valia quickly obeyed, casting off her boots and rolling up her pant legs to reveal a generous amount of creamy skin.

            She was gorgeous, Legolas decided then and there. He had always thought she was pretty, even when he had first met her, hidden behind her baggy practice clothing and that plain hair style. But to see her now, hair cascading freely down her back to rival the waterfall in beauty, a tailored riding outfit that modestly accentuated her curves, yet accentuated them nonetheless, and an amount of leg showing that would have been considered indecent by most if not for what they were doing…

            'Beautiful,' he murmured.

            'What?' questioned Valia, glancing up at him with a dazzling smile as she finished rolling up the fabric on her other leg. 'I did not hear what you said.'

            'Nothing,' Legolas dismissed, the faintest dusting of pink adding color to his cheeks at being caught. He was entirely too old to become an enamored fool when a lady showed a bit of skin. He was not a youth of only thirty springs, he reminded himself. He was Legolas, Prince of Laiquarille, one of the Nine Walkers, betrothed to be married.

            The last thought shook him out of any love sick thoughts that were waiting in hiding to pounce on him when he least expected. Yet contrary to feeling guilty like he knew he should, he only felt irritated by the whole mess. He retreated swiftly from Valia, least the scowl that might have appeared on his face would alert her to something being amiss, and quickly settled himself on the rock ledge next to the pool. The green surface of the water was disturbed when he plunged his legs into the watery depths, and he enjoyed the pleasant tingling of his skin when it came into contact with the cool temperature.

            Valia followed him soon after, situating herself beside him as she dangled her legs in the water, swishing them back and forth as she drank in the peaceful surroundings. Despite Legolas' effort to appear unaffected by anything, Valia could tell by the firm set of his jaw and the rigid line of his shoulders that something was troubling him. She hoped she had not done anything wrong. The thought of causing him undue pain made her throat constrict in an unpleasant manner.

            'Thank you for bringing me here,' she told him, hoping that her words would dispel some of the gloom that had settled over him.

            He turned, and she was relieved to see that his shoulders and jaw instantly softened into looser lines. 'I am glad that you enjoyed it,' he answered as he looked down at her, noticing for the first time that she had settled close to him.

            It was that moment, Legolas realized with sudden clarity that he wished could encompass all of eternity for him. Sitting in one of his favorite places that exuded a sense of peace and calm, with the lady he loved seated beside him, looking up at him with a soft smile on her face that reached her eyes to melt the blue and silver together in the most alluring way…

            He had pulled her into his arms before he even knew what he was doing, and the surprised expression on Valia's features told him that she had never expected such a thing to occur. His arms tightened round her instinctively lest she try to run from him, but the action was useless because she made no move to pull away, regardless of her clear shock.

            Some sensible part of his brain protested what he was doing, tried to point out that he should not take advantage of Valia's odd lack of struggle against him, but he swiftly and accurately pushed the voice out of his head with all the skills and expertise of a trained warrior. He had forgotten how perfectly she fit in his arms, as if Eru had designed her with him in mind.

            Valia ducked her head and began worrying her lower lip when Legolas reached up and started lightly running his fingertips over her cheek. 'Legolas,' she breathed out as her hands came to rest on his chest, her right hand placed over his heart where she could feel the strong beating. She hated to admit it because she knew it meant that she had set herself up for another heartbreak, but she loved being near him like this. She loved being held close in his arms. It made her feel needed, protected, wanted.

            By the Valar, she loved him, even more than before.

            And swiftly following that thought, Valia surprised both her and Legolas when a stifled giggle escaped from her. 'Forgive me,' Valia apologized with a grin before she pressed her fingers over her mouth to stop the laughter. She felt strangely giddy, an emotion that she had outgrown several millennia ago when spotting a doe in the woods made her excited.

            Yet just like Legolas, there was an insistent voice in her mind that demanded to be heard. It warned her that she was being incredibly foolish letting him nestle her close to him and touch her. What was she going to do when it came time for her to leave Laiquarille? Did she think she could just walk away from this whole thing unscathed? He was marrying someone else!

            Suddenly she did not feel like laughing anymore. In fact, she felt quite the opposite and scrubbed fiercely at her eyes before she could turn weepy in front of Legolas.

            He was too astute for such an act though, and had been watching her too closely the whole time to not notice the warring emotions play across her face. He grasped her hand that was busy keeping her tears at bay and placed a soft kiss on each of her tapered fingers.

            'We seem to never get this right,' he told her softly, trying to keep his tone light in the hopes that he could stop the dam of tears from breaking.

            Her bottom lip quivered for a moment, but he was relieved to see that the corners of her mouth curved up afterwards into a smile. 'We are rather hopeless, are we not?' she replied with an equally light tone. Some things were better to laugh about, she had learned over time, or else she would cry. She loosed her hand from his, taking up a fine lock of golden spun hair that fell over his shoulder and playing with it, letting the strands slip through her fingers before taking it up again. 'Perhaps it is a sign from the Valar that this was never meant to be in the first place,' she continued, gesturing with a hand to their intimate position.

            'No,' Legolas denied fervently, dropping all hints of false lightness. His fingers caught underneath her chin, coaxing her face up till he was looking into the blue of her eyes. 'You cannot rationalize us away,' he told her firmly, his hand slipping behind her head to cradle her neck.

            Valia felt more than a little dazed when his face loomed close suddenly, and his eyes dropped to look pointedly at her mouth. 'You cannot deny this.'

            His breath was warm against her lips, and Valia's mind came to an utter stand still when she realized that he was angling her head back in preparation. 'He is going to kiss me!' she thought in delighted shock as her hands grasped the smooth fabric of his tunic to pull him closer. He was something forbidden to her, what they were doing was forbidden, but it made her desire it all the more, if only to have a fond memory to look back on when all this was over.

            Legolas tangled his fingers in her silky hair, some emotion akin to joy flaring brightly within him when she grasped the front of his tunic and pulled him nearer. He had been holding on to his last restraints before then, not wanting to push her into something she would hate him for making her do, but with her eager response, all self control vanished as his other arm wrapped around her back and brought her as close to him as possible.

            'Legolas? Valia?'

'Is that you?'

            Valia jerked back and out of Legolas' arms in surprise as the voice of his parents came from somewhere close by, extinguishing any thoughts of a kiss as effectively as a bucket of water thrown on the embers of a dying fire. Sitting ramrod straight, her eyes traveled across the pond, slowly drifting up the forms of the two elves standing about three yards away from her till she met the carefully blank faces of Thranduil and Elowen.

            'Adar. Naneth,' Legolas acknowledged, trying his best to look as if nothing extraordinary had been happening. Unfortunately, he knew very well that they had seen everything that had happened, or at the most knew what was about to transpire before they interrupted. The situation heated his cheeks to a degree that was most embarrassing, not because he felt guilty for what he had almost done, but because he had been caught with his hand in the proverbial cookie jar.   

            And at his age as well…

            A quick glance Legolas' way and Valia was rendered utterly speechless for a moment with his flustered state that showed in the pink tinge his cheeks had taken. The mighty elven warrior who had saved Middle-Earth along with eight of his companions was blushing?

            The embarrassment the situation should have warranted for her was forgotten in light of such a revelation and she found that it was easy to take the hand that Thranduil offered her to help her up when he reached her side at last. 'Thank you,' she told him, meeting his eyes that fairly sparkled with pent up mirth. He merely winked at her, squeezing her hand before he dropped it and hoisted his son up next.

            'We came looking for you when you did not return after we thought you would,' Elowen explained, standing beside Valia as she sat down on the rock seat and unrolled her pant legs before she started to put her boots on.

            'I thought we were not to leave until later this afternoon,' Legolas spoke after being helped up by his father. He took the empty place next to Valia so that he could put his own boots on and lace them up. He felt Valia's eyes trained upon him, but ignored the pull of her gaze in favor of maintaining his composure in front of his parents.

            'The sun is already sinking in the sky,' Thranduil informed Legolas, walking to his wife's side and wrapping an arm around her waist. 'By the time we pack up the remains of our picnic and make the journey to the palace it will be dusk.'

            Legolas remained silently, only nodding at the piece of information as he finished lacing his boots with enthusiasm.

            Valia finished before he did, and sat quietly with her hands folded in her lap. Her emotions were a bit frazzled after all that had just occurred, and she wished nothing more than to get back to the palace as soon as possible so she could go to her room and think things through. She observed the King and Queen through the screen of her dark lashes, noting the way they did not seem overly disturbed by what they had stumbled upon. In fact, by all accounts, they appeared calm and collected, as if they had suspected such a thing to occur when they first came to look for Legolas and Valia.

            Her eyes narrowed at the idea that such an event was a foregone conclusion. Shifting her position in discomfort, her eyes slid over to Legolas whose brow was knit together in concentrating.          

            Whatever the outcome of what had just occurred, or almost had, as Legolas stood and offered her his hand, and Valia knew that the ride back to the palace would be markedly different than the one to the picnic spot.