A.N. Here is the next chapter in my tale. Sorry for the delay in posting. I wish I could say that the next chapter will be post more swiftly but sadly I cannot. There has been a family crisis that will delay my next chapter, so I would like to apologize ahead of time. I hope everyone will enjoy this newest chapter. Have a Happy New Year. Love you all, Missy

Chapter12

Becoming One

For Gwenneth the day seemed to last an eternity. Eomer was most gracious and gentlemanly, but it was not the same as spending time with the one she loved. During the hours with Eomer she could not help but to compare him with Legolas. And indeed, the man was losing to the gracious elf. From the way the light played with their eyes to the type of wine they had selected, it was a losing battle for the human.

Too often though her thoughts would drift to her friend's words earlier that morning. Why did Eowyn feel that way? Was she jealous of Legolas? The reaction she had gotten was a far cry from the one she had expected. She knew that Eowyn would be sad, but she had not expected anger. And Eowyn's eyes reminded her so much of Legolas' the night before. Although she loved her friend deeply she just could not abandon Legolas and their blooming new love. In time Eowyn would hopefully understand why Gwenneth did what she did, and forgive her. But it still troubled her that she had caused her best friend pain.

When Eomer and Gwenneth rode back into town, Gandalf was again in the stables waiting for the young girl. But unlike the day before, today she was at ease when she saw him. She smiled broadly at the gray wizard, having a slight idea of why he was there.

"Greetings Lady Gwenneth and Master Eomer! I trust you had a rather relaxing day together?" he asked, taking the reins of Gwenneth's horse and helping her dismount.

"Aye, we did. And I must say that the countryside is the most beautiful I have visited! I am please that you chose such a place for this event," replied Eomer while getting off his horse. He came to where the wizard and the young girl were standing, easily slipped his arm around her waist and pulled her towards him.

Feeling his arm around her, she unconsciously winced and shuffled quietly in his embrace with discomfort. She felt like a possession rather then a human. Is this how it would be if she stayed and married Eomer? Would his eyes always watch her? Would she ever have the freedom that she knew she would have with Legolas? Would she ever feel love for him? These were the questions that drove her to leave with the elf.

Gandalf noted her uneasiness and took it as a cue to get her away from Eomer. "Gwenneth, I was wondering if I could have a few words with you? I may need your further assistance."

The girl looked up to Eomer, who in return gave her a warm smile. "Would you please tell Aragorn that Gandalf has requested my presence?" she asked coyly.

"I will indeed," he said. Then Eomer tucked her loose hair behind her ear and leaned down to kiss her smooth warm cheek. "Do not dwell too long. For I will miss you while we are parted," he added.

Gwenneth laughed softly, her eyes locked to his wide blue orbs. "What will you do when we are parted for days at a time?" was her brave question.

"We will never be parted, my dear," he replied sternly.

The corner of Gwenneth's mouth curled slightly as she glared up at him. What foul deed did she do that had brought her the curse of being bound to this man? Fortunately Fate had sided with her and had brought her Legolas. But many times in the past few days she wondered if she would have felt different if Legolas had not touched her life.

She then turned to Gandalf and strode towards his offered hand, sliding her own hand into his. As soon as she felt his reassuring grip, her mind suddenly felt at ease. She knew right then that he had agreed to help her and Legolas.

Gandalf led her out of the stables and into the town, towards his quarters. He pushed the door open for Gwenneth to walk in. Once she stepped into the small space, out of the corner of her eye she saw a figure sitting behind her. She slowly turned to see who it was. Her eyes grew wide at the sight of her beautiful Legolas. He was a sight for weary eyes. His hair was loose and fell over his light blue tunic, which only enhanced his sculpted face. His eyes sparkled as they meet hers. He rose and she instantly moved to his waiting arms.

She embraced him, not wanting to let him go. She felt so complete in his arms! Like a child clinging to its mother, she was home. After a few moments she pulled away and gazed up into his blue eyes. "What are you doing here? I thought we had planned to see each other later tonight?" was her bewildered question.

Threading his hand in her hair, he smiled down at her. "I could not stay away. If this is the longest that we should be apart, know that it was too long."

His melodious words rang in her ears. It was much more satisfying coming from Legolas than it was compared to Eomer's words just minutes ago. "Legolas, I too felt our time apart was too extensive. This is more then a pleasant surprise, my love!"

The elf lowered his head to gently place a delicate kiss on her lips, and his mouth lingered on more than it should have, as the kiss slowly turned hungrier and passionate. While he was still able, Legolas pulled away, leaving Gwenneth wanting more, as a groan of protest escaped her now abandoned mouth.

He brought her tightly into his chest, caressing her smooth hair with his slender fingers. Legolas held her tenderly, like she was the most precious token that he had ever received. "We will have our time, but not yet my love," he whispered into her ear. He then broke is embrace and guided her to one of many chairs that surround a huge table in the middle of the room.

Gandalf, who was quietly standing behind them, not wanting to interfere, then glided over to where the young princess was seated and sat down across from her. He enveloped her hands with his and looked into her eyes. At first this made Gwenneth quite nervous and uncomfortable, but then a smile began forming across his face making her feel more at ease.

"Dear Gwenneth," Gandalf softly spoke, "I am most pleased for you and Master Legolas. Truly the Valar have blessed you both with this most generous gift. And in this time of learning, it is welcome and honored," he stated. "By me anyway," he quickly added.

Gwenneth turned to gaze at the elf that was now sitting beside her. His eyes where warm and bright and his mouth formed a perfect smile with caused her stomach to dance with delight.

"But as wonderful as this is, I want you to be sure of the risks you are taking. The consequence of getting caught could be disastrous. Aragorn's wrath will be swift and unforgiving for the both of you," Gandalf warned. He let go of Gwenneth's hands and crossed his arms on his chest before he leaned back into his chair, staring at them. "Are you prepared for what is to happen if things turn ill?"

Again the two looked at each other. And after a few silent moments, there in that small, dimly light room they found in each other's eyes the strength and will to carry out their quest. "Yes, we are willing to risk everything," Legolas said softly, then slightly smiled, as he never broke the stare with his love.

"Gwenneth….do you feel the same way?" asked Gandalf, raising an eyebrow. "I am not trying to discourage you. I just want to be certain that you both want the same thing."

"Yes….I feel the same. This is the only way that we can be together, and I want that more then I have ever wanted anything else," was her unwavering reply.

Satisfied by their answers, a broad smile graced the wizard's face. "Very well. All will be set for your departure. I will have your horses packed with everything necessary."

Gwenneth sighed a sigh of relief. "Thank you Gandalf. Your generosity is most appreciated. But I was wondering if you could do me one last favor?" she asked cautiously, knowing that she had already asked too much from him.

"What is it my child?"

"It is Eowyn. I fear that I have angered her."

"Angered her? Why?"

"I think it is because I am leaving with Legolas, never to return."

"And this has upset her? I would have expected her to be joyous for you. It is not like her, at all," he said, bringing a hand up to smooth his gray beard. "Yes, yes, I will talk to her. Worry not about Eowyn - she will be fine."

Gwenneth stood and bowed towards her mentor. "I will be in you debt for a very long time."

"There is no need. Just you two having a glorious life together is thanks enough," he said while he rose from his chair and came around to take her into his arms in a huge embrace.

After Gandalf released her from his embrace, the princess turned to Legolas: "We are still meeting later?"

He smiled down at her. "Nothing will keep me from you," he said before he placed a light kiss on the corner of her mouth. "Now….you better go before suspicion arises."

"Yes, I do not want to worry Eomer," she said with a bit of sarcasm in her voice, giving the elf a slight smirk. She then quickly jumped to return his kiss before she turned a walked out the door. Legolas could not help but smile at her carefree demeanor.

Gwenneth left Gandalf's quarters and walked back to her camp. To her amusement and despair, she saw that Eomer was waiting for her return as she rounded the corner of her tent. He had his back to her as she suddenly stopped in her tracks and sighed in regret. How was she going to spend another whole day with that man, much less the evening? She wished that they had planned to leave sooner.

Being with Eomer was like the worst torture in Middle Earth. Surely living in Mordor itself would have been easier than being with someone you did not want to be with! She said a silent prayer to the Valar and then slowly started walking towards the encampment again. She wanted to go unheard and maybe slip by him into her tent without him noticing, but luck was not on her side and he turned just in time to see her before she reached her door.

"Ah, there you are! I was beginning to worry that Gandalf would keep you all night!" Eomer said as he came to her and gathered her into his strong arms. He kissed her forehead. "I am glad you are back. I had the staff make us a meal. Go and change and we will dine together." He ran the back of his hand over her cheek before it combed through her long hair. "Why don't you put your hair up? I like it so much better that way. It shows your beautiful face," he demanded more than asked, as he smiled lovingly to her.

Gwenneth managed a weak smile and nodded. "Sure. Anything to please you," she said in a faint voice. She could taste the bile in her throat; it made her physically ill to think that she was going to do something to please "HIM". She pulled away and went into her tent. Once inside, she fell onto her cot and closed her eyes wishing that lighting would strike her now so that she would not have to spend another minute with Eomer. She quickly tried to put the thoughts of concerning the man away and concentrate more on her love. Soon they would be together and nothing would stop them! When she closed her eyes she could see his warm inviting smile, his enchanting mystic eyes. She could feel his tender touch and his silken lips. Those thoughts made her strong and gave her the will to carry on as she lifelessly pulled herself up.

She then went through the motions of putting her hair up, like he had wanted her to. Gwenneth did not care about how she looked for him. She wished she could go out and roll in the mud; maybe he would like that too. She had to laugh for thinking of such cruelties. Deep down inside, she knew that Eomer was a good man. He had practically been a brother to her and she did not want to hurt him, but she knew that if she stayed, she would only be hurting the both of them.

When she was dressed to "his" satisfaction she went out to meet Eomer, who was still waiting outside her tent. He immediately turned to her and extended his hand. She graciously accepted it and moved closer to him. He began to guide her to the dining tent, but then suddenly stopped. He gazed down at her and inspected her hair and smiled. "You are breath-taking. Thank you for doing as I wish," he said, his gaze fixed on her.

Her blank expression slowly turned into a smirk. "I want to make you happy, my lord," she said flatly. Eomer gave the princess a bewildering eye, sensing the sarcasm in her voice. But the thought did not linger as he once again guided her to the meal awaiting them in the dining area.

The shadows of the candles danced on the tent canvas like a humming bird dances around a bright red bud. Flowers were set around the tent for their enjoyment. Gwenneth thought it almost romantic - if not for one small detail: She was with Eomer and not Legolas!  The servants brought out the food and left with great haste. Gwenneth was sure the Eomer had demanded this from them to gain them as much privacy as possible - which was something that she cared little for. Only brief conversations passed between them during the meal. She tried her best to be polite and answered Eomer's questions or comments with few words and even less enthusiasm. With every passing minute she silently cursed Aragorn for committing her to this punishment. The love and respect she once felt for her brother now were swiftly turning to hatred and loathing with every sneer or glance Eomer was giving her.

The dinner couldn't have ended soon enough for Gwenneth, who could not wait to get away from Eomer. She desperately wanted to rush to the solitude of her tent and rest.

"Would the lady please accompany me for an evening stroll?" the man asked as he threaded his arm around her waist and pulled her firmly against him. He then brought his lips down to meet hers.

Gwenneth flinched and her body involuntarily stiffened at the touch of his lips on hers. It was strange how his touch felt so different from Legolas'. While she felt heat and fire from the elf, she only felt ice and coldness for this man. Instead of tenderness there was dominance. With Legolas passion flowed so easily. With Eomer she felt lifeless. The kiss ended with not even a single sigh or wish of its continuance.

Not affected by the kiss at all, she looked him straight in the eye. "I…I am afraid that I have exhausted myself today. Right now all I want to do is rest. The events of the past days have been so overwhelming," she said, trying to evade any more of his advances.

Eomer ran the back of his hand over her cheek before it came to rest on her smooth shoulder. "Very well. We now have all the time in the world for each other," he said and then lightly kissed her check. "I bet you cannot wait till we return to Minas Tirith, so that you and Eowyn can start planning our wedding!"

Gwenneth smiled wearily. "Yes, yes! That should be fun," she lied.

"It is strange," he said, looking around as if searching for someone. "I have not seen my sister almost the whole day today. I wonder if she is ill?"

Her eyes quickly dropped. She suddenly felt that she had betrayed her friend and felt much sadness for her. She had to talk to Eowyn and know that she had no ill feelings for her. It was disheartening for Gwenneth to know that her best friend was not there for her. She felt empty without her by her side.

"I am sure that she is well. I will talk to her tomorrow to make sure."

"That would be wise. I do not want her to think that I am taking you away from her."

"Oh I think she knows that is not the case," she replied thinking how ironic it was that Eomer would think such a thing, when Legolas was the one who was taking her away.

Eomer gazed lovingly at her. "I can see that you are tired. I will keep you no more. Go and rest. Tomorrow is another day," he said before placing a kiss on her forehead. "Sleep well," he added as he released her from his embrace.

She nodded to him. "Goodnight, Eomer," she said in return. She then quickly turned and headed into her tent.

**

Aragorn paced outside of his sister's tent. Ever since his council with Arwen, his decision to give Eomer Gwenneth's hand was disturbing and haunting him. He had come to the conclusion that he had acted rather hasty in his decision. And even though there was no way that he could stop the courtship now, he had at least wanted to tell her that he was sorry for not considering her feelings. Finally he decided that he had nothing to lose and called out to her: "Gwenneth! May I speak to you?"

Gwenneth was resting on her cot when she heard her brother's voice call out to her. She sluggishly pulled herself up out of her makeshift bed and sauntered to the drape that was covering the opening. Pulling it back she saw her brother standing there with a desperate look in his eyes. "Aragorn…come in," she offered.

Aragorn carefully brushed passed her and stepped into the dimly lit tent. He noticed that unlike the last time he had come into her living quarters, all of her belongings were out of sight and put away. It struck him as odd that all of her personal possessions were packed away. It was almost like she was getting ready to leave. He soon forgot about the fleeting thought when he looked at his younger sister.

"I do not how to begin what I am about to say to you," he stated nervously. Feeling uncomfortable, he turned away from her piercing eyes.

Gwenneth breathed in deeply and slowly exhaled. "Aragorn…whatever it is…I am most certain that you could do no further damage than what is already done," she hissed at her brother's back.

Aragorn ran his hand through his disheveled locks and drew in a deep breath. He turned to face her as her eyes still burned holes into him. He swore he could almost see flames rising and dancing in them. "I….I have done many wrong deeds to you throughout the years," he started, and then suddenly stopped, trying to find the words to continue.

Gwenneth stood sternly and her glare never wavered. She crossed her arms across her chest as the anger started to rise from the pit of her stomach. "Is this why you have come here? To rehash all the wrongs that have been afflicted upon me? If that is the case then I want no part of it!" she screamed.

"I am sorry," he softly spoke, hanging his head in shame. "I wanted to come and tell you that I was wrong. That I….."

"You were wrong?!" she shouted, not allowing him to continue with his torture. "I cannot bear to listen to another lie from you! If it is forgiveness you seek, you will not find it here brother!"

"I was too hasty with my thoughts….I should…"

"NO!" came her booming voice as she raised her hand to stop his words. "No more words Aragorn! I am with Eomer. Is that not what you wanted? Soon I will be his wife and I will be protected - just like you wanted!"

"I do not want that if it causes you so much pain," he quickly said before she could stop him again.

"Pain? I have felt pain all my life caused by you. Why now do you change your thoughts?" she asked, but then quickly continued to prevent an answer: "No! No, it does not matter, because in the long term I know you will revert to your overpowering will and that all who do not abide you will pay a price. And my price is always my freedom."

A well-aimed arrow struck his chest and pierced his beating heart. "That is not how I had planed it to be," was his weak reply. He tried to get close to Gwenneth, but she would have nothing of it and kept the distance between them.

Gwenneth then walked over to the entrance and reached out to pull the curtain back to reveal the darkness outside. "I think it is best for you to depart now," she spat rather coldly. Realizing that his words were folly and that she would not listen to his pleas or apologies, he bowed his head in bitter defeat and shame while he slowly trudged out into the night.

**

Legolas patiently waited in the tiny groove of trees surrounding the little pond. He had brought a blanket to cover the dusty ground and give them a more comfortable area to sit.  As he waited his eyes lifted towards the sky. The millions of bright stars that shone down on him cut the blackness of the heavens. He thought he had never seen a night sky so brilliant. The air was crisp and clean as it filled his lungs.  Now, more than ever, his senses were abundantly aware of his surroundings.

While gazing up into the star filled sky, he wondered if Gwenneth too was looking up to the same sky. A broad smile graced his beautiful face at the very thought of his love. He then thought of all the places that he wanted to show her. He could not decide which to visit first. The vast Misty Mountains were a breath-taking sight. But the lure and myths of Fanghorn forest was just as appealing. But alas, he was prepared to show her all! And time was not of any essence; for they had their whole lives to spend together.

Gwenneth silently crept through the thicket of the tall trees. Try as she might, she could not sneak up on the elf, whose senses were too keen for her. Legolas' head snapped around to see her approaching ever so shyly. He smiled. "I was trying to surprise you," she said after seeing his fabulous smile.

"Aye, but my dear, you should know that there is no fooling an elf," was his witty reply. He then stood and walked to her. His eyes lazily drifted up and down her body taking in the lovely sight. Then Legolas took her hand and placed a warm kiss in her palm. "My eyes will never grow weary of your sight," came his soft voice as he stared deeply into her eyes.

Gwenneth laughed lightly. "When I am old and gray, I am afraid that your thoughts will turn."

"Nay, I do not foresee that ever occurring."

They stood staring at each other as if they were afraid that the other would suddenly vanish. Then Legolas brought his free hand up to her hair, which was still tied up from her time with Eomer. "Here, let me help you with this," he said as he gently undid the ribbon that was binding it. Gwenneth softly shook her head as her hair fell around her shoulders. The elf's eyes glimmered at the sight of her beautiful cascading hair.

"There…" he breathed running his hand through her long black locks, "that is much better."

After a few moments Legolas leaned in and softly grazed his lips over hers; causing shivers to ripple down her spine and her stomach to clinch. Her eyes fluttered closed as the warm sensation of his soft lips encountered hers. The flint struck the stone, causing a spark. The sensation seemed to grow, as did her need for more, and she quickly brought her hands up to entangle them in his silky blonde hair. She wondered if this hunger would ever subside or if it would remain forever with her. She desired the later, of course. The intensity grew as she pushed her lips firmly into his. He could feel her raging desire as his tongue found the depths of her warm mouth. The spark turned to a flickering flame.

All of their surroundings slowly faded away and it was only the two of them, lost in each other's senses. Fingers were lightly pulling and tangling in loose clothing, wanting to reveal the skin they covered. Lips seductively dragged painfully slow kisses over exposed flesh, sending undulated waves of passion surging through their heated senses. Tender nips and bites were performed on necks and ears. The flame started to blaze. Their bodies were as if they were of one mind and one being.

Then Legolas slightly retreated, his mouth hovered over hers for a moment before he inhaled sharply and withdrew. A soft whimper escaped her throat, caused by the absence of his lips, as her eyes reluctantly flickered opened. She breathed heavily as her blue eyes lifted to see his stunning depths staring back at her. A slight smile formed on her lips.

His breathing wavered at the sight of her nestled in his arms. There was suddenly something different about her and she looked like nothing he had ever seen. Even though he knew that is was not possible, she seemed as though she had elven grace. The way the soft light reflected in her eyes, and her flawless smooth skin that was so intoxicating that the need to touch her burned on his fingertips. "Please do not ask me to stop, for I know that I do not have the strength in me to do so," he pleaded with a taunting whisper.

Gazing at her he could not control his emotions as he leaned in to kiss her once more. But this time instead of starting with soft and tender kisses they were extremely hungry and needful, mixed with a fierce passion and lust. Gwenneth's eyes once again saw nothing as her lids fell shut. Shutting out her surroundings once more, she became immersed in their own universe. Her hunger flourished as her hands feel out of his hair and grasped at his back and shoulders. She slightly tilted her head back to give Legolas indulgent access to the flesh of her neck. "I will not ask you to stop," were the only words that could escape her. The blaze was now an inferno. Control eluded them both. And neither of them fought to find it.

Legolas did not linger too long with his burning torture on her lips and instantaneously moved his taunting kisses down her neck, leaving a wet trail until he settled into the hollow of her throat, sending wave of pleasure through every nerve ending in her body. Gwenneth's hands unconsciously started to wander over his lithe body. She could feel the tight muscles of his shoulders and arms through the light fabric that still covered him. The excitement raged in her core. The inferno quickly engulfed them, sending them into a frenzied passion.

Reaching behind her back, his hands sought out and found the ties to her dress. Grasping the fabric and pulling with a slight tug, the tie was no longer. He did the same to the others that lined her back until finally all were free and her garment lay unbound on her skin. Pulling back to gaze upon her face he gently started to pull away the dress from her shoulder.

Unaware of what was happening, Gwenneth felt the cool air on the bare skin of her now exposed shoulder. Her eyes suddenly flashed open and met Legolas' seductive expression. Her breath caught in her throat as he bent down to place a kiss where her dress had once been. She could feel the dress slowly falling the rest of the way off her. Now there was nothing between her and his relentless, torturous lips and roaming hands. Her mind was lost as she gave into her needs and took pleasure in all that was happening to her.

Legolas smiled inwardly as the dress fell completely to the ground. He bent down and gently scooped her up and carried her to a soft blanket that he had put down earlier near the water's edge. He lowered her onto the soft bed as his body hovered over hers while he stared deep into her eyes. Then his gazed slowly drifted down her body to watch as his long fingers gliding tenderly over her naked breast. A sly smile appeared on his lips when he felt her body shiver under his touch. He enjoyed the control that he now held over her.

Now her eyes were closed, and through parted lips her breath rushed in and out in shallow pants. Sensations exploded deep in her stomach like Gandalf's fireworks. A murmur of desire and need echoed from her throat. Then her fingers dug into his hard back muscles when she suddenly felt his tongue glide over her bare chest.

The taste of her skin on his tongue was as sweet as the lavender fragrance that emanated from it. Legolas lips leisurely kissed the sensitive skin of her supple breast, which caused the young girl to cry out in pleasure. This only encouraged him more as he kissed the very center of her breast before he took it between his lips.

Trying to catch her breath from the elf's onslaught Gwenneth tugged at the dark blue tunic that still adorned his body. He smiled, leaned back and looked down at her while she reached up and helped him remove it. Her hands then curiously reached out to touch the now bare skin. As her fingers made contact, his body flinched at the touch. That unsuspected reaction amused Gwenneth. Unknown to her, the control now changed hands. She could hear his sporadic breathing as she let her hands inspect the well-formed elf that towered over her. Although she had felt his skin before on the night they had meet in the water, now it seemed different. His skin seemed to radiate a charge or some kind of heat that caused a spark to tingle on her fingertips. But that tingle was not enough, she needed more. The inferno was now out of control.

Finally the last garment was shed and nothing stood between them. All the new pleasure that Gwenneth was experiencing clogged her mind, as the only thing she could do was to lose herself in his passion. She could only compare this experience to the ocean waves crashing on the shoreline. She griped tightly to his body as wave after wave of pure intense desire and passion crashed upon then until finally the huge tidal wave of lust crashed upon them, sending them into a pleasure filled frenzy. She cried out his name as her desire reached the pinnacle and burned through her whole being. Then almost at that very same moment Legolas' passion too reached an apex, before their bodies finally collapsed as one.

After a few moments of breathless bliss Legolas raised himself to look at his love below him. Her faced glistened with moisture caused by the heat that emanated from their bodies. His hand wiped away the hair that was now mated to her face and he smiled lovingly to her. "I love you, Gwenneth," were his soft words.

A soft cry escaped her mouth as tears of joy started to flow from her eyes. "I love you too, Legolas."

"Why do you cry?" he asked in confusion. "Have I done wrong?"

The woman's eyes sparkled. "Oh no, my love. You have done nothing wrong. The tears I shed are those of joy, not sorrow! Joy, because I am here with you." Suddenly her body quivered as she became aware of her nakedness.

"You shiver…. Are you cold?" he asked with great concern as his hand felt her cool flesh.

"Just a chill in the air."

Legolas then moved to the side and brought the blanket around them to warm his love. "There, is that better?" he asked as his arms encircled her and brought her to lie against his bare skin, her head tucked under his chin. "Our bodies will warm each other under this cover."

"Thank you, this is much better," she said and then looked up into the sky above, while Legolas' hand made lazy circles on her back. She threaded her arm around his chest and squeezed. Her eyes grew heavy as sleep raced to catch her. "Legolas...Will it always be like this for us?" she asked, looking back down.

"I promise you, it will," was his loving answer.

"I do not know if I can spend another day with Eomer. It tortures me so much! I cannot even bear to look at him! I wish we would be leaving tonight instead of tomorrow."

"Patience, my love. One more day and we will be together. I too am tortured knowing that you are with him and not me, but I know that it will not be so for long. Tomorrow night we begin our journey. And what a grand journey it will be!" he said, and then placed a kiss on the top of her head.

"Yes, what a journey it will be," she repeated softly before she drifted off into a blissful sleep.