Aragorn stared in astonishment at the area around him, as Arwen smiled in delight that he was so pleased. They had come to a grassy clearing in the woods. Light shone through the canopy of trees like a spotlight across a sparkling pond and mini waterfall. Aragorn couldn't believe that he had not known about this place for all these years! Aragorn climbed off his horse, and so did Arwen.

Arwen bent down to take off her shoes. The grass was was and soft beneath her feet.

Come on Estel! The grass feels so nice!

Aragorn slowly removed his shoes, letting the blades of grass gently graze the bottoms of his feet which were rough from traveling. He looked up and saw Arwen twirl in circles, laughing. Aragorn ran up to her, and grabbed her waist, making her jump and giggle. She pulled away and fell to the ground laughing. Aragorn sat down next to her, kissing her passionately on the lips.

she moaned as she leaned in closer to him. He wrapped his arms around her shivering body.

Now are you going to tell me what's in the basket, he asked her.

she said. Yes, of course I will. We're here now, so that's all that matters. I don't care about how long I can tease you.

She got up and brought the basket over to where Aragorn sat, laid back and relaxed. She opened the basket to reveal a bottle of wine and a full dinner. She laid the satin cloth across the ground as a picnic blanket and rolled onto it until she was in Aragorn's arms on the slick surface.

Let's have the wine now, said Aragorn huskily. Arwen laughed and nodded.

Some now, some later. We have the whole day, remember.

They popped the cork on the bottle of wine. The sweet fragrance filled the air as Aragorn poured the wine into two goblets.

To you, my melwa wendë. If it wasn't for you, I would be the most unhappy king in all the ages.

Arwen smiled, obviously delighted to be loved.

Awe, meldalë Estel. You're very sweet. I am just glad to spend this life with you.

They drank and ate and talked for many hours. By the time everything was gone, the sun was setting.

Look at the sky! exclaimed Arwen. The sky above them was deep orange and purple for the last few moments before the sun finally set behind the trees.

It looks like the day is over, whispered Aragorn sadly.

I know, Arwen replied. But the night is young. It is not tomorrow yet.

Aragorn smiled deviously. Then let us continue with our celebration!

Arwen laughed. Let's go swimming.

What? Surely you can't be serious!

Yes, let's do it! You know it looks fun.

And with that, Arwen unbuttoned her dress and gracefully dived into the crystal clear pool.

Aragorn protested, but still he pulled off his clothes and dived in after her.

He shattered the surface of the water and quickly rubbed the water from his eyes so he could find Arwen, but she had not appeared from the watery depths yet. Then, her head breached out from the water elegantly, letting her hair drip along her back. Aragorn was stunned for a moment at how beautiful she looked. But then he reminded himself that she was elf- born. Her beauty should not be suprising.

She lunged at Aragorn, sending water every which way, and pulled him under the water, kissing him gently, and letting him back up.

She giggled at the suprised look on his face. He swam over to her and grabbed her arm tightly, pulling her in. He just wanted to touch her now that she had her clothes off. He stroked her porcelain skin, leaving nothing untouched by his graceful hands. She tangled her legs around his, moving the back of her foot along the inside of his thigh. He wrapped his fingers around her breast, massaging it gently. She whimpered as he kissed her again. His tongue rubbed the top of her mouth and graced her bottom lip before letting go.

she said as softly as her voice would go. His fingers moved beyond her thighs, touching her with burning passion. She shivered the closer he touched, until she got used to the sensation. It was warm and soft on the pads of his fingers. Finally, Arwen swam to the edge and lifted herself out of the water weakly. Aragorn followed her longingly.

She lay on the grass, with Aragorn next to her. Their soaking bodies were frigid from the cool eve wind. They pulled each other close, trying to warm each other. Arwen lay her head on Aragorn's chest. It rose and fell as he breathed, almost lulling her to sleep.

Finally, he said, Arwen, we had better head back.

She nodded. It would be warmer in their nice cozy bed. So they put their clothes back on over their drenched bodies, and mounted their horses to head back to Minäs Tirith.

When they got there, they got many odd looks from their guards and servants. After all, they were coming home from being out all day dripping with water, and their clothes buttoned clumsily. But they were required to mind their own business out of common respect.

Finally, they were back in their bed with all the candles out and the curtains shut so tightly there was not even a hint of moonlight in the room.

See now, wasn't that a good day, said Arwen sleepily.

Yes it was. Thank you for that. I needed it.

So did I, but your welcome. You really did need it. So how's your ankle?

Truthfully, I've forgotten all about it.

Arwen laughed a little, but she was tired and didn't have much energy for laughing, or for talking at that. So she and her husband curled up and fell asleep together. Happily together.