Notes: Thank you to everyone who left comments! You like my writing, I'm so happy! ^_^ I'm sorry if you think it's a Mary Sue--I'm just telling a story. I will try to do my best--hope you all enjoy it! ^^
cherryfaerie: Wow, thank you so much! XD I love you! So glad you enjoyed it--I will try to update frequently. ^^Yes, I prefer to have the translations at the end, so that they don't interfere with the story. Keep reading! -Tira ^_^
Chapter 2: Dawn Tryst
By the river Loudwater that ran through the valley of Rivendell were many willow trees. However there was one great tree which stood taller and mightier than all the rest. This was the favorite haunt of the young Aldariel and Legolas, long ago when that which was between them was no more than friendly companionship.
It seemed almost that the tree had served as a guide for the two young elves, for as the tree grew stronger and larger every year, so did their own bond of friendship. As they had grown that friendship had gradually become deeper, truer--turning into love, which grew stronger and mightier with each year that passed. So it was that after being apart for so long, they met again beneath the leaves of that tree which had been the symbol of their bond.
As Aldariel approached the great willow she heard a whistle like that of a bird. Looking up into the branches of the tree, she saw him. Her heart leaped, as it always did, even after so many years. Perched between two branches was Legolas, Prince of Mirkwood. Her beloved. As he looked down on her she could see the sadness that lurked deep in his bright eyes, though he smiled a welcome to her. She smiled back, though the pain was also hers; for she knew that in Middle-Earth, though it would never be the same, in the end it would be alright.
Legolas swung down from the tree and landed lightly beside her. He took her hand and kissed it, as courtly as a maid could wish, then spoiled the effect with a wide grin.
"My lady," he said, taking her in his arms, "we have been apart far too long." He pulled her close, holding her tightly, as if having finally found her again he was afraid to let her go.
"Yes, we have," Aldariel sighed, returning the embrace as tightly. She felt as if, at last, she was truly home. For a moment in silence she stood in his arms, holding him, listening to him breathe. Then she added quietly, "But I fear we must part again very soon."
His arms tightened around her, and he buried his face in her hair. "Do not say such things, unless you say also that after this, we shall be together again."
"Ai, love," she sighed, "I wish that were so." She ached inside for the bleak future she saw, knowing that ahead was yet much sorrow. "In truth, we must part ways many times, before the day comes when we may live together in peace."
He sighed, releasing her so that he could look into her eyes, and tenderly rested his forehead against hers. "My heart, your words bring me much pain."
"I won't speak of it anymore, I promise," she responded, smiling up into his eyes, which shone back at her like bright stars.
They held each other, watching the sun slowly climb into the sky. Aldariel listened while Legolas sang softly--until out of the fading darkness they heard footsteps on the path.
They both startled, ducking around the tree to hide in it's shadows; then, realizing how needless that was in this peaceful place, they laughed at each other's wariness. Seizing one another's hands, they walked back to the path to meet whoever was coming around the bend in the road.
At the road, they found Gandalf, flustered and in a hurry.
"Gandalf, what is it?" Aldariel asked in concern.
"Forgive me, lady, for intruding," Gandalf said, raising an bushy eyebrow, "but I have an urgent message for you from Galadriel." He gave Legolas an apologetic smile before his deep eyes fixed on Aldariel.
"Is anything wrong?" she questioned a little anxiously. Gandalf took her by the arm, and led her away a short distance. After a hurried conversation of whispers that Legolas could not make out, they walked back to him shortly.
"My love, I apologize, for I must run an urgent errand," Aldariel said to Legolas, kissing his cheek. Then to Gandalf, "Please speak to my father for me, and inform him that I will be late for the council." With that, she ran down the path, but Legolas pursued her.
"Wait, what is this urgent errand that troubles you so?" Legolas was concerned by the worried look on her face.
"I wish I could tell you now, but I must hurry. Do not worry, I will return soon." Aldariel smiled at him gently, touched by his concern. "I will tell you everything, but for now I can say no more. Farewell, my love." Aldariel turned and ran swiftly towards the stables.
"Namárie," he called after her. He sighed as she disappeared from sight, still worried, and settled himself to wait for her return.
-tbc-
Chapter 3: A Swift Errand
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