[Disclaimer: Not mine.]

Three weeks since Aredhel found her way to my door. Three weeks since my world did a somersault and started to walk on its hands and backwards. I find I rather like the new view. I think.

Aredhel took time to grow accustomed to my way of life--spending the day resting and working or wandering through the night. The servants tell me that she asked about me during the daytime hours the first few days of her stay, curious why she only saw me in the evening and early morning. Then tonight, she surprised me by remaining after her dinner, my breakfast, and asking me directly.

"Why do you shun the day, milord? Why do you spend your nights at your forge or in your forest?"

I was startled enough to answer truthfully, "I dislike the sun, my lady. Had you lived long in this area, you would doubtless have heard of my...eccentricities." I added with a slight smile, "I'm rather famous, actually."

She pushed back a stray wisp of galvorn-black hair and studied me for a moment with her mithril-grey eyes. "What is your plan tonight?"

"I was going to start a--why do you ask, my lady?"

Her clear laugh rang in the quiet hall. "I would like to join you, of course. Why else would I ask?"

My mouth worked silently for a moment before I managed to get anything out. I must have looked remarkably foolish; Aredhel's eyes crinkled up and she looked rather like she wanted to laugh.

"Join me? Why would you want to join me?"

"Why not?" she countered.

I had no answer to that, but I did quickly revise my plans for the evening. "In that case, would you like to see my world, my lady Aredhel?"

"It would be my pleasure, my lord Eöl."

"Eöl, my lady. Simply Eöl."

"Eöl."

****

We walk through the dark woods of Nan Elmoth. I have not yet told her where we are going, but I am impressed by her calm acceptance of the night sounds. I somehow doubt that the fluff-heads in Thingol's court would be as comfortable walking by my side, alone in the night. I would even go so far as to say that some of the warriors would be intimidated by the sheer weight of the darkness.

A white gleam through the trees ahead tells me that we have nearly arrived. I don't come here often; it's too easy to lose track of time and get caught by the sun. It's one of my favorite places, though--where Thingol and Melian met. I think Melian must have left something of herself here; it's never seemed quite like the rest of Nan Elmoth. The trees don't know me here. It's one of the few places where the sky is still visible. The stars shine through and reflect off a little pool. Aredhel's mouth opens in soundless wonder as she takes in the softly lit glade. I smile, which I have been doing much more often of late, at her undisguised delight in the pale glow of the stars. This is the brightest light I can bear comfortably; I sometimes wonder if the sparks of the forge have damaged my vision in some way, though I can see perfectly in darkness.

An answering smile breaks across her face. "I had no idea there were places like this hidden away in these dark woods. I think I see how you can choose to stay here now, if this is a sample."

Is she just speaking politely, or does she really mean it? I wonder. She doesn't appear to expect an answer as she slips into the glade, which is perhaps fortunate, as I don't think I could speak anyway. I have to remind myself to breathe. This is where Aredhel belongs, here in the moonlight. Her white gown reflects the light and multiplies it 'til I can hardly bear looking at her. But I cannot look away either.

I have to have her. Now.

Whatever else this glen may be, it is certainly *not* large. Within three strides I have crossed the soft grass to Aredhel. She looks back, starts visibly, and begins to say something. "Eöl. . .?"

She doesn't finish, as it is rather difficult to speak through a kiss. She tastes of the wine we had with dinner; perhaps that is why I am intoxicated. She pushes me away, gasping. I am suddenly afraid that I've ruined any chance I might have had with her. If I have . . . well, she will be mine anyway.

She regains her composure and draws herself up with icy dignity. "What," she asks, "Was *that* for?"

I shrug a little. "You're so beautiful."

She gives me a confused look, as if to say, 'Is that *all*?'

"Please, don't look at me like that."

"Lord Eöl, you have not answered my question."

"I want to make you my wife."

"What!?" She looks at me once more, shocked and a little horrified, I'm afraid. We have been standing very close, after the kiss, but now she whirls and flees into the darkness beyond the glade. I stand silent for a moment. She can't get out of my forest without my allowing her, and the Girdle of Melian reaches even here, so I do not worry that anything will happen to her.

Still, I follow her at a respectful distance, as silent as the shadows in which I dwell.