NghtOwl113: Not betrothed, definitely had encounters before, and not sure if I am following movie, and/or book. Taking place some years before FOTR. And it's supposed to be a little confusing. I'm trying out a new style of writing. But if it's TOO confusing, please let me know. Also, would you like to be my beta for this story? Let me know.

Chapter2

When he awoke, even before he opened his eyes, he knew she was gone. This was done to him each time, and each time it was enough to have him wonder if he had just been dreaming.

Dreaming of her ivory skin, and raven hair. But no, it was no dream. There, across the pillow where her head had lain, three strands of ebony hair, perfectly strewn to look as if they had just fallen, but impossible all the same.

With a sigh, he turned away from them, and pondered on her absence. Did she not love him? Did she feel that her absence was not missed by him, each lonely morning after they had been together?

He had a feeling that she knew all of this. For how could she not? He wished that when he turned over once again, that she would be beside him. The curve of her shoulders, and hips protruding through the downy blankets. Her body pressed to his own in not lust, but love.

She feared the rejection and revile of her father more than she loved him. It was the only explanation. He wanted to scream in frustration. He wanted to tell her how he loved her. But he could not.

And here, in the Lord Elrond's house, he was forbidden her.

Turning over, he looked again at the tokens she had left for him, and he had some thoughts that perhaps she did love him, but could, or would not express it openly, just as he, himself could not.

Reaching over he gathered the tresses in his fingers delicately, wound them over and over, and noted their complete and utter darkness. He could not leave them here. Someone would find them in his room, no doubt. And wonder why.

And he could not let it happen. So carefully getting out of bed, and going over to his closet he took out the small silver box, and laid them within. Blending them forever with their fellows, and snapping closed the lid.

He then dressed swiftly, and thought for some excuse to explain his ever-longer absence to Lord Elrond…

He wished vehemently that he would not see Arwen this morning. He could not face the fact that she loved him only under the cover of darkness, hidden from the eyes of those who sought to see her happy.

And making his joy, and love for her, forever a dark, and silent secret…

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Author: There you go. Let me know how this turned out please. And stay tuned, I've decided to make this a story, though it'll be a short one, and the next chapter should have some more familiar faces in it!

Pippinsgal011890