Disclaimer: Refer to Chapter One

Title: The Heart's True Home

Author: Silmarien

Rating: PG

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Witness of the Stars

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            Hours seemed to have no meaning that night. When the Masquerade had begun, the last rosy glow from the sun had succumbed to the thick blanket of night's darkness. Stars, shinning bright and twinkling merrily, made their appearance as the dancing began. Valia found that amidst the current merriment, it was impossible to keep any track of time. What seemed like minutes proved to be hours, and then what felt like it had been an hour were actually only a few minutes. In light of such a strange passage of time, Valia had given up entirely on trying to keep some semblance of what hour of the night it actually was.

            It seemed that there was no stop to the merriment for Valia. When she was not being twirled around the dance floor by masked partners, a few of which she could guess whom they were and others not, she was pulled into a conversation or story that was being told on the cushioned couches and chairs.

            'Honestly Valia,' Silia greeted her on one such occasion as Valia sat down on a high footstool next to Silia's chair, 'One would almost think you were enjoying all the attention you are receiving tonight.'

            'I must confess,' Valia replied in a grave voice, rendered inconsequential by her large smile, 'I am having the most wonderful time.'

            From Silia's side, Isondil, costumed in a matching outfit to his wife's, laughed. 'I think we have had some affect on her during her stay with us,' Isondil leaned over to his wife and whispered loudly so Valia was sure to here. 'Do you think her parents shall be angry with us when she returns and they do not recognize their daughter?'

            'O stop it, both of you!' cried Valia, laughing softly at their behavior.

            Silia settled back into her chair in silent compliance, her hands finding their way to her rounded belly and rubbing in soothing circles. 'But truly, Valia dear, how are you enjoying yourself tonight?'

            'I only hope my feet are not sore in the morning,' Valia replied dryly. 'I do not think I have ever danced so much since I was just a young girl.'

            'You do seem a popular choice for a dance partner this eve,' Isondil remarked. Taking up one of Silia's hands, he pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles before settling their entwined hands on the armrest between them. 'Tell me, is there an elf in the room you have not danced with?'

            There was one noticeable elf who had stayed far away from Valia that night, but she was not about to point that fact out. Not sure if she was more relieved that he did not approach her or sorely disappointed that he avoided her, Valia had decided early on in the evening to put the Prince out of her mind for the night. Some things, however, were easier said than done. 'Well if I remember correctly, you have not yet danced with me,' replied Valia in mock scolding. 'And then there is Glorfindel, but he seems rather busy with his preferred partner.' Valia's gaze swept over the group of twirling elves close by, and caught a momentary glimpse of Glorfindel and Cithien before they disappeared in a flutter of white feathers.

            Valia, with amusement, had noticed earlier that evening that Glorfindel and Cithien's costume had also matched. Apparently she had missed much over the last week during her chance meetings with Legolas.

            'She is perfect for him,' Silia smiled softly, watching the couple's dance steps slow as the song came to an end. 'I cannot remember Glorfindel ever being that taken with another lady before Cithien.'

            Smiling, Valia turned her focus back to her friends. 'I am counting the days until he plights his troth with her. We are still here for two weeks after tonight even though this is the last night of the celebration. I have a suspicion that when we return to Earsilme, it will be with a silver ring on his finger.'

            'From what I have seen during my stay in Earsilme, I would say that he deserves as much happiness as the Valar will bless him with,' added Isondil. Leaning over again, he whispered something quietly into Silia's ear, who nodded in response and smiled.

            Valia watched in curiosity as Isondil sprang nimbly to his feet as the dancers on the floor began to assemble for the next dance.

            'Come Valia,' he told her, extending his hand to her. 'I must follow the example of so many other elves and ask you for a dance.'

            An uninhibited grin brightened Valia's face. Her eyes slid to Silia who waved her forward and then she took Isondil's offered hand. 'I would be delighted to dance with you.'

            'Good,' Isondil replied, tugging her to her feet and pulling her out into the crowd, 'because I would not have accepted a no from you.'

            Valia bit her lip to stifle the merry laughter that threatened to bubble out from her as Isondil pulled her along and settled them side by side in one of the lines of elves that were swiftly forming.

            As the dancing began and Isondil and Valia began to weave and turn to the fixed steps in a traditional dance that was inspired by the Secondborn, Isondil turned their conversation to a different topic.

            'You are staying for two more weeks then?' he asked.

            'Yes,' Valia nodded as she passed him, waiting till she faced him again before she continued. 'Though I have no idea what we are expected to do during that time. Glorfindel will be busy with Cithien, I am sure. I will simply have to find something else to entertain myself with until we leave.'

            'Next week, Silia, Legolas, and I planned to take a day trip to a neighboring city not far from the palace. Perhaps you and Glorfindel would accompany us?' he suggested, while circling his arms around Valia's waist to twirl her around. 'I am sure they will not mind the additional company.'

            'We would not wish to impose on your plans,' Valia replied. In all honesty, she was not sure how receptive Legolas would be to having her come along with them. He had not so much as looked her way the whole evening, though they had passed each other on several different occasions. He had even joined a circle of elves that she was in who were chatting with each other at one point in the evening, but he had never acknowledged her.

            'Perhaps he does not recognize me,' she had explained the whole thing away to herself. It did no good to stop a small sting of pain from pricking at her, though.

            Of course, he had been occupied with Hadrielia all evening. She was absolutely stunning, Valia had observed grudgingly when she had first spotted Hadrielia. There was no mistaking the identity of the elf lady who appeared at the top of the stairs when the crowd parted and Legolas emerged at the bottom of the stairs, waiting patiently as she descended. When she had reached his side, Legolas offered her his arm, escorting her back through the parted crowd to take up the pair of seats to the side of his parents.

            For such a simple costume that Hadrielia wore, Valia, as well as everyone else with her, she had noticed, was amazed at its striking affect. She was a cat, a simple house cat like the humans in Middle-earth were so fond of keeping. Yet, for something so simple, Hadrielia rendered the costume absolutely elegant and graceful. She was adorned in black and white silk, cut in tasteful lines that flattered her form perfectly. A wealth of tiny white gems ornamented the fabric of the dress, causing a soft shimmer of light to emanate from her with each step.

            Whenever Valia had spotted Legolas, Hadrielia was always at his side. She could not tell if he was enjoying himself or not. Just by looks, it appeared to her that he was more than content to spend the evening catering to each and every one of Hadrielia's whims. But, Valia also knew that Legolas put on facial masks just as easily, if not more so, than she did.

            Sometime after the dancing had begun, Valia scolded herself for letting Hadrielia bother her. Determined to enjoy herself for the rest of the evening, she had pushed the Prince and his betrothed out of her mind, instead accepting each offered dance from elf after elf.

            However, she still was not certain that Legolas would want her to join Isondil and Silia on their trip. Biting on her lower lip, her brows narrowed into a deep valley of uncertainty.

            Isondil, who had observed each turn of her face that was left unhidden by her mask, smiled knowingly. 'I have already spoken with Legolas about the trip earlier today. He was actually the one who suggested that you and Glorfindel come with us. I am sure that Cithien can even come along if she has the time.'

            'Well,' Valia smiled, albeit a bit sheepishly, 'I would gladly join you then.'

            'I am delighted to hear that,' Isondil smiled back, bowing to her as the dance came to an end. 'Silia will be especially glad that you are to accompany us. I think that she has missed your friendship much since moving to Laiquarille.'

            Valia curtsied back and straightened before she spoke. 'I know that I have missed hers. There are no ladies in Earsilme who could ever replace her.'

            'Replace who?'

            Glorfindel suddenly appeared at her side with Cithien. From what she could see of their faces that were not covered by their feathered masks, Valia was sure that they were both having a wonderful time.

            'We were only talking about Silia,' explained Valia as Glorfindel leaned over to place a kiss of greeting on her cheek.

            'Is something wrong with her?' Cithien asked in concern.

            'No, she is fine,' assured Valia. 'Actually, Isondil, Silia, and Legolas are going on a day trip in a week's time and wanted to know if we would like to join them.'

            'Of course we will,' Glorfindel agreed, apparently speaking for both him and Cithien. It had not been noticeable upon their sudden arrival, but as he tightened the hold around Cithien's waist to tuck her closer against him, Valia shot Glorfindel an unmistakably pointed look as a smile quirked her lips.

            He merely smiled back with a look of complete innocence about him if it were not for the wink he gave her.

            'I do not think I can go,' Cithien put in, ignoring Glorfindel's acceptance for both of them. 'I fear that I will have too much to do with all the other palace guests leaving after tonight.'

            At the look of displeasure on Glorfindel's face, Valia decided to intervene. She knew that it was unlikely that Glorfindel would gainsay Cithien's decision, so she would do so for him. 'But Elowen has made you my personal attendant while I remain here, has she not?'

            'Well, yes,' Cithien replied slowly, a small frown marring the curves of her mouth.

            'Then I shall simply give you the day off if you agree to go with us. There is nothing pressing that you must do for me that cannot wait for a day.'

            'O, but my lady!' Cithien protested, her status in life asserting itself. 'I could not possibly…'

            'I will not hear it!' Valia stubbornly commanded, though it was softened with an affectionate smile. 'You are my personal attendant for the remainder of my stay in Laiquarille. I want you to accompany me on this trip. It is settled.'

            Cithien, who was rendered somewhat speechless by her mistress' sudden display of authority, merely nodded her ascent. 'Thank you, Valia,' she acknowledged.

            'You are more than welcome,' replied Valia with sincere happiness. 'Besides, I do not think Glorfindel would ever forgive me if I did not do all in my power to try and convince you to come with us.'

            Valia laughed brightly as Cithien promptly blushed a pretty shade of muted red and Glorfindel bestowed a subtle scowl on her.

            'I think,' Glorfindel declared smoothly, 'that I have not yet been able to dance with you Valia.'

            'Indeed,' agreed Valia, trying her best to swallow the laughter fluttering boisterously in her stomach.

            'You do not mind?' Glorfindel asked Cithien quietly.

            'No,' she assured, accepting his kiss of thanks on her forehead before she moved to Isondil's side. 'I think I will go sit with Silia for a while and keep her and Isondil company.' Having said thus, she took Isondil's offered arm, who deftly led her out of the mass of elves pairing off and waited for the next dance to begin.

            Glorfindel turned to Valia taking her hand without question and they both took their positions for the dance. It was a dance for couples that began to play softly, with a flowing melody that only the elves, Firstborn of Iluvatar, were capable of giving birth to.

            'Have you been enjoying yourself?' Glorfindel asked quietly as they began to move to the soft strains of music.

            'Very much,' Valia answered. 'I would ask how your evening has been,' she continued, 'but I think that it would be rather pointless to ask so obvious a thing.'

            'You, eleninya, are rather forward this evening,' he told her with a smile, tapping her nose lightly in emphasis.

            Valia only smiled back cheekily. 'It must be the costume,' she replied. 'One feels that they are not bound to any constraints with such an outfit on. I can be delightfully out of character this eve and no one will be wiser for it tomorrow except my closest friends.'

            An unintelligible sound came from the back of Glorfindel's throat in response.

            'Besides,' Valia pressed forward, 'I should think you would be more than happy that you will have an entire day to spend in the company of Cithien. Perhaps it is all the more time that you will need to ensure Cithien of your sincerity.'

            A look of intensity passed from Glorfindel as he fixed his eyes on Valia. 'You are very bold, indeed, this evening, my dear Valia.'

            'O come,' Valia cajoled softly. 'Everyone knows you have set your sights on her. We will all be sorely disappointed if she does not boast a silver ring on her finger by the time we leave.'

            'Mmmm,' Glorfindel hummed by way of reply, pressing a kiss on Valia's hairline. 'I think that I am not the only one who others are trying to pair off.' He was not about to let Valia tease him and get away with it when she was in a situation similar to his own, even if it was not quite the same.

            'I do not have any idea what you are speaking of,' Valia retorted stiffly, though the flush that tinged her skin told Glorfindel she had a very good idea of what he was referring to.

            'I think the pressing question on everyone's mind is not whether I shall leave with my future bound with someone else, but whether or not you will.'

            'That would seem rather unlikely given present circumstances, would it not?' Valia responded, trying to keep her tone light.

            'Ah, but in my long life, I have learned to never accept whatever my circumstances are as final,' Glorfindel told her.

            'True,' Valia smiled, but made no further attempt to add anything more.

            Glorfindel stopped dancing suddenly, and Valia looked up in confusion, thrown off by the entirely unexpected action.

'What is wrong?' she asked in concern. A flush of understanding brightened her cheeks that were left visible by her thin mask when she saw the reason for Glorfindel's abrupt stop.

            'Would you be so good, Lord Glorfindel, to let me step in and finish this dance with your lovely partner?'

            Valia managed to snap her jaw closed just in time as emerald eyes that quickened her breathing fixed on her from behind the green mask of a wood nymph.

            'I would think the question should be,' amended Glorfindel with a lazy smile playing on his lips, 'whether my lovely partner wishes to dance with you or not.'

            And then Glorfindel had suddenly disappeared. If her mind was not spinning from Legolas' swift and unexpected appearance, Valia would have given a cry of protest at being abandoned without second thought. It was now apparent to her that more than Legolas' parents were subtly encouraging Legolas and her relationship along.

            She only had a few moments to entertain such thoughts however, as Legolas spared time for a single glance at the retreating form of Glorfindel before he extended his hand to Valia.

            'My lady?' he questioned with teasing formality.

            Pursing her lips, Valia glanced at his offered hand and dipped into a curtsey. 'It would be an honor, my lord,' she replied in equal fashion, slipping her small hand into his larger one.

            He wasted no time in pulling her close to him and throwing them into the churning sea of bodies with abandon.

At first, Valia could not help but look around in worry to see if anyone was observing them in such an intimate embrace. It rapidly became obvious, however, that their companions had other matters that they deemed more important which held their interest.

In such a crush of elves, Valia realized that it was highly improbable that Legolas and she would be recognized, and even then, with costumes on someone could only identify Legolas, at best.

Legolas was relieved to feel the tenseness in Valia's muscles melt after a short while and her movements began to blend with his as she relaxed more till it felt as if they moved as one. His fingers wandered up to flit over her hair, resting against the hairpin nestled amidst the curled locks and braids of her honey hair. An elegant brow arched in question as a smile played at the corners of his lips.

Determined not to fall into the trap of embarrassment, since it was not her fault in the first place that the pin had found its way into her hair, Valia pursed her lips and shook her head in a sign that there was absolutely nothing to say on the matter.

At the narrowing of her ocean blue eyes, Legolas laughed, charming a small smile onto the curves of her lips.

'This is bliss,' Legolas thought, watching in silent awe as Valia's body slowly molded to his. It could only be made better, he decided, if they were not in such a large crowd, and their actions open for speculation. He wanted nothing more than a little time alone with her, apart from any critical gazes of disapproval. He had avoided her since their encounter at the waterfall, not so much out of a sense of guilt for his actions, but because he was not sure if he would be able to maintain a mask of only friendship with her if she fixed her blue eyes upon him.

Watching her over the evening, dancing with seemingly every elf but himself, his resolve to stay at a safe distance quickly dissolved.

His eyes lit to the set of open doors the led to the palace lawn and gardens. Costumed elves were passing in and out of the arched doorway, but Legolas knew that even with the large party that had been assembled for this last night of celebrations, there were still not enough elves present to cover the entire palace grounds. Somewhere, he was sure, there was a secluded area outside where he could speak with Valia.

A silent understanding seemed to pass between the two when their eyes met, and before the dance had even come to an end, Legolas was discreetly tugging Valia towards the open doors. They both glanced about the room as the freedom of the tall doors loomed closer, each making sure that eyes were not following their departure.

Legolas gave Valia's hand a squeeze of assurance, and her fingers curled tighter around his in unspoken answer.

'I think we shall be fine,' Legolas whispered softly in her ear, speaking for the first time.

For Valia, the actual sound of his voice, distinct accented syllables that could not be mistaken for any elf other than Legolas, made all that was happening suddenly real to her. She halted mid step, not caring who might be behind or around her as she pulled her hand out of Legolas' grasp.

'I do not think this wise,' she explained in hushed tones when a dark brow arched up from underneath his mask.

He made some muted reply, but even her elvish ears could not hear whatever words were uttered. She thought that perhaps it was best that way though, with only Eru witness to whatever he had muttered. The look of tempered annoyance on his face was all she needed to see to understand. She bit the inside of her cheek, brows furrowing in uncertainty.

'Actually,' she amended, 'a walk outside for a bit of fresh air might be nice.'

Needing no other encouragement, and not about to wait for her to change her mind or have time to regret her decision, Legolas took her limp hand in his own, pressing a soft kiss to the back as he guided her out the open doors in front of them.

It was a pleasant evening, the day having been an exceptionally warm one. There was just the right amount of cool in the air, coming from a soft breeze that stirred the leaves of the trees to create a music that was all their own, to cool Legolas and Valia's skin which had heated from the press of bodies inside. Stars were strewn like glitter against the black of the night, shining down a gentle light that mellowed the shadows and blended the nighttime around them into an idyllic setting.

Leaves bent under their feet as they moved down pathways, weaving further away from the palace and the elves that were congregated near the immediate outside gardens. Their light footfalls made no sound, however, and so they were able to move swift and quietly. They drew little attention, and the number of guests began to thin the further they made their way through the trees. On occasion they passed a masked elf or couple, but no words were exchanged other than a soft hello and incline of the head.

Valia bit her lip, not wishing to break the soothing silence of the night sounds as Legolas continued to guide her further. Where they were going, she knew not, other than it seemed as if he was determined to find a place where they could speak alone. She was content to let him lead her, his larger hand clasping her own in warm reassurance while her other hand lifted her abundance of skirts lest she soil the hem and uncomfortable questions from others plague her when she returned back to the palace.

After a bit more walking, Valia noticed that they encountered no more of the palace guests for the masquerade as the ground beneath their feet began to raise gradually. When the top of the small hill came into view, Valia saw a lone tree stood tall on its crown, golden leaves cast in silver lining underneath the light of the bright moon. It was an impressive sight, one that rendered her quite speechless with its beauty.

Guided by Legolas underneath the canopy of moon-spun silver and gold, they came to stop near the thick trunk of the tree, growing straight and proud as its branches spread upwards to try and touch the stars overhead.

Both her hands found their way into his, and she was turned gently to face him before he let her hands slip from his hold.

She looked up at him in silent question, trying to stop the race of thoughts speeding through her mind, spinning a confusing world around her.

            He reached up and loosed the strings of his mask to grant her a full view of his face, illuminated softly under the light of the stars and Ithil.

            As the mask fell away to reveal his face, a cry that started from some deep place in her heart escaped its confines and spilled from Valia. There was such a profound and devoted expression of love on his face, blatantly apparent for her to see, that a twinge akin to sweet pain pricked at her soul.

This was not what she had expected.

            'Legolas.'

            His name fell from her lips with awe, as soft as the gentle wind that was blowing the hem of her dress against her ankles. Whether the awe was from his boldness or a reciprocation of like feelings, Legolas could not tell. He reached out before him, spanning the remaining gap that stubbornly bridged them. Long fingers momentarily brushed against the jeweled pin in her hair before they sought out the string to her mask and rested there in silent question.

            Valia's reply was equally wordless. Her fingers brushed his while she undid the ties of her mask. The concealing bit of material slipped from her face, and she ducked her head in uncertainty, worrying her mask in her hands at the sudden feeling of exposure.

            She quelled the panic that threatened to overtake her when Legolas stepped closer, the heat from his body reaching out to wrap her in a deliciously comforting cocoon. His fingers never left her hair, but burrowed deeper till they found the smooth flesh of her neck and began to gently massage.

            'O my Valia,' he murmured, his other hand rising to cup her cheek as his mask slipped from his fingers to the ground.

            The warmth of his hand, rough fingertips gliding lightly over her skin, sent a jolt through her that settled in her stomach, coalescing till she felt as if she were on fire. It was not long after that her mask joined his, forgotten at their feet in a by product of what was beginning to transpire.

            'Legolas?'

            He coaxed her head back, his fingers never ceasing in their ministrations to try and calm her. Smiling down at her, he stroked her cheek one last time before his hand fell away from her face and his arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her tight against him. 'How do you do it?' he asked softly, his breath warm against her cheek as he cradled her close.

            'Do what?' Valia asked in confusion, feeling herself relax into him as his fingers traced lazy circles along her side. She was not exactly sure that what she was letting him do was smart. In fact, she was certain that it was not wise by any standard. Yet despite all that, she was well aware of the fact that she needed his touch just then.

            'Let the consequences fall where they may,' she thought as her hands crept skywards to rest against Legolas' chest and she laid her check against his tunic.

            The action of surrender was not exactly what Legolas had expected. Truth be told, he was not sure how she would react to his advances, largely due to her strange lack of fight over the last week. All the same, however, he decided to test the new waters he found himself in.

            Drawing back, he bestowed an affectionate smile on her and leaned in to press a kiss to her forehead. 'It seems that you have taken mastery over my heart when I was not looking.'

            There came a soft intake of breath from Valia, but other than that and a widening of her eyes, Legolas was not sure if she was only shocked, or preparing to bolt away from him like a skittish mare.

            'How is it that the harder I try to move on and banish impossible dreams, my love for you seems only to burn brighter and stronger?'

            With only the stars as witness to their meeting, shining with a familiar light that soothed Valia, she felt strangely at ease with Legolas' admission. But ease did not mean that her heart was launched into a mad dance because of his words.

            'Perhaps,' replied Valia quietly, 'it is because my heart echoes with yours.' She placed her palm over the place where his heart beat, musing to herself that it seemed to be dancing to the same thunderous music that hers was.

            Valia had never witnessed such a stunned expression on Legolas' face before. He looked absolutely shocked at her declaration and a worry overtook her. 'Forgive me, that was too bold,' she pushed out through the tightness of her throat. 'I should not have…'

            'Hush,' Legolas soothed, placing a finger over her lips to stem the stream of words that were now rapidly spilling forth. 'You have mistaken me,' he continued when she would not meet his gaze. 'It was only that I had not thought you felt as I do.' His fingers moved up to her cheek, gliding over the high bone before it dipped to trail along the firm line of her jaw.

            'Oh Legolas!' she exclaimed suddenly in exasperation, surprising him yet again when she gathered a bit of his tunic in each of her hands and pulled him yet closer to her.

            Neither was quite certain how it happened or who had made the first move, but in the space of a heartbeat, they had managed to press themselves together, fingers tangling themselves in hair and drawing each other still closer as each felt a set of warm and pliant lips pressed to their own.

            For each, the world around them focused sharply till it compromised of only themselves; the feel of each other, the taste, the emotion, every heartbeat and tiny movement. It was a heady feeling for the both of them, and Valia was remotely aware that her legs began to shake and one of Legolas' arms circled her waist tightly, offering her all the strength that she needed.

            'My sweet, beautiful Valia,' he gasped out when he broke their first merging of lips. He blazed a trail of kisses along her cheek and then back to her mouth again, spreading the fire that had been building in Valia's stomach through her veins.

            She sighed softly against his lips, and Legolas felt an answering fire in his own blood that was quickly threatening to override every shred of commonsense in him as one of his hands strayed downwards to find the ties of her dress.

            He needed to stop, he knew, but as Valia wound her hands around his neck and her mouth found the hollow of his throat he was entirely lost. A groan fell from his lips and he buried his face in her hair, pulled back into a neat mass of curls and braids that was swiftly becoming undone under the attention of his hands.

            'Legolas? Are you out there?'  

            A grunt of displeasure came from both Legolas and Valia at the voice, still far off and to their left. Not to be interrupted, indeed he was in no mood to break from his present company, Legolas ignored whoever it was that was looking for him and captured Valia's lips again, this time with such a force that sent her stepping backwards till her back met the tree trunk behind her.

            'Legolas!'                  

            The voice was more insistent this time, and also much closer. Whoever it was that was searching for him was covering the distance at a remarkable pace.

            Both Legolas and Valia knew that it would not do for them to be found alone in the gardens, not to mention in their current state of activity.

            'I must go,' Legolas breathed against her lips, raining down a shower of quick, but no less fervent, kisses as both his hands reached up and cradled her face tenderly. 'I love you, Valia,' he whispered, eyes shining brightly with the truth of his statement.

            'And I love you,' she answered back forcefully, drawing his head down for one last lingering kiss before she pulled away and stepped back from him. 'You should go,' she told him through a throat thick with emotion, afterwards turning her back to him. She knew it was not within her willpower to let him walk away from her if she watched him go.

            Legolas was aware of the reason she turned from him, and was equally thankful for it for the fact that he was not sure if he could walk away from her if he felt her eyes burning into his back.

            'Goodbye,' he called softly to her, and then followed it with a whispered, 'thank you.' He watched her head bob in a silent acknowledgment and then swiftly wound his way through the trees, the lights spilling out of the tall palace windows more bright the father he withdrew from Valia.

            Valia was left blinking up at the stars, now her sole companion against the chill of the night that she noticed just then. Small warmth did they offer her, however, after feeling the heat of Legolas' presence which still haunted her with a false warmth that did nothing to ward off the affects of the cold.

            A cold that had been tolerable only a little while ago, but was suddenly unbearable.

            The stars shone bright overhead, great jewels fashioned by the hands of Varda herself, each placed lovingly against the backdrop of the black sky. Shedding the comfort of their light, the only reassurance that they could offer, they stood watch as the solitary elf maiden standing under a tree far below them sank to her knees as sobs wrenched there way from her throat.

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A/N~ Now honestly, was the wait not worth it? I cannot wait to get all your reviews for this chapter :)