5
Awaking in the grey of near dawn I found myself covered in a cloak, my head resting on a pillow of some sort. A soft whisper in my ear, the voice of my dreams called me, "Awake." I hadn't the energy to start. Merely turning my head until she appeared in my line of vision. "Why did you come back?"
"I sought to find you before your uncle. He near turned out the entire household when you did not return last night. They are still searching."
"How did you find me?"
"I will always be able to find you."
"How can that be?"
"I will feel your presence, no matter how far you wander."
"Why did you come back? I insulted you."
"Yes, you did."
"I am so sorry, Arwen."
"I know."
"Can you forgive me?" my voice pleading. I could not bear it if she said no.
"No. Your actions and words cannot be taken back. But I still love you."
"Love?", the word trembled on my lips.
"Always."
I clung to her then, knowing I would never have to let go.
Hounds bayed in the distance.
"Come up quickly, do you wish your Uncle to see you thus?"
"I'm not ashamed of us."
"And I never will be, but there are appearances to be kept up. We are nobility, we do not have the luxury of marrying for love."
"You did."
"Yes, and I love him still, although it is not my place to be with him."
"What is my place in all of this?"
"You, you are everything."
I stood then and waited with her by my side to face the dawn.
My Uncle took one look at my disheveled state and embraced me without reproach or question. After disentangling myself from the worried inquiries of friends and servants I hurried to Arwen's rooms. They were occupied. As I drew closer I saw Legolas storm out, slamming the door. Embarrassed to witness a scene between lovers I sought to hide behind a nearby tapestry. Legolas spotted me first. He spared me a scornful glance then stomped off. I pressed my ear against the door, my face turning various colors of red, as I comprehended the subject matter of the conversation. It was necessary for Arwen to produce Aragorn an heir, but as matters stood between them, it was nigh impossible. Each felt for each other only friendship, and Aragorn feared losing his lover over the matter. They let the matter lie for tonight, but I knew it could not be put off for forever. This time hiding in advance, I remained unnoticed by Aragorn as he walked past, most likely in hopes of placating Legolas' wounded pride. Arwen however turned instantly towards me.
"Damned elvish senses", I muttered under my breath.
Horrified at being caught eavesdropping I began to explain when she ushered me inside her apartments. The rooms were distinctly the ranger's with Legolas' small touches of whimsy present in the silk pillows and intricately carved chairs; of Arwen, I saw nothing. Small wonder, for she had spent almost every night so far with me.
"My husband", she intoned harshly, making the words compassionate and yet mocking all at once, "will not be back this night, nor likely the next. He has decided to stay with Legolas." At the pronouncement of this name there was definite menace in her tone.
"You needed to talk to me?"
"Yes. I wanted to say thank you again." Her face curved into a mischievous smile at my simple words.
"Is that all?"
"No. I wanted to say that I love you and will want to be with you always."
"Is that all?"
At a loss I replied, "What else can you want me to do?"
She leaned towards me and I was lost in her dark eyes, as she looked into my own.
"Stay. Tonight, and every night."