Disclaimer: I have nothing to do with LOTR or its characters...

Thanks to allmy reviewers, all of you are wonderful. Please excuse my absence...

Chapter: 17

Every torch, every lantern, and every fire pit was alight with blue-orange flames. The White City glowed like a crystalline jewel in bright sunlight. Every shadow and dim corner vanished as the evening's last gathering came to life. The Lord and Knights of Rohan had arrived, been received, and welcomed. They bathed and spent time with their hosts while the evening meal was laid upon the banquet tables. Embellished tales lightened the already cheerful atmosphere and laughter rained above all.

Legolas spoke and laughed with his friends briefly and then decided to search for Melayren. Feeling that the time was growing short between them, he yearned to spend the remaining hours with her. Leaving the banquet hall he quickened his stride toward the guest wings of the King's house. The night air was warm coupled with a steady, earthly scented, cool breeze.

He passed through the long stone corridors unnoticed. Long shadows, cast from burning torches, lazily swayed upon the walls and across the floor as Legolas faintly stirred the still air.

Melayren's chamber door came into view causing his heartbeat to flutter with anticipation. He paused and lifted his right arm to knock on the dark wood. A tiny sliver of light through the doorframe alerted Legolas that the door had not been latched. He gently pushed inward and announced his arrival, "Melayren?"

He kept his eyes respectfully downcast, in the chance that she was not fully attired. He waited with bated breath as the door slowly opened to reveal the maiden he wished to hold in his arms. He stood dignified, humble, and still. He was unable to avert his gaze; he remained just inside the room as he quietly closed her door. Through the archway, across her sitting area, was a bathing nook. The open door revealed Melayren sitting in a deep tub.

Legolas didn't need to imagine how she would smell up close; he caught a faint floral aroma in the air. He slowly approached the small room and watched in awe as she scooped water onto her exposed shoulder and the rivulets of liquid glittered, in the candlelight, as they ran down her back. Legolas paused a few strides from the sculpted tub when he noticed Melayren turn in his direction. "Please, don't move," Legolas whispered in a lust filled voice.

Melayren lowered herself into the warm scented water and sighed. The water level rose and covered her sun darkened skin and firm breasts. Once every muscle in her body gave into relaxation, Melayren lengthened her legs and leaned her head back on the tub's edge. She had only planned to submerge herself in the sweet smelling water before dressing for the last banquet. She longed to stay where she was, but she inhaled deeply and cupped her hands to splash water onto her face. With all of her skin wet and scented, she prepared to rise from the tub. A slight rustling sound came from behind, causing Melayren to still her movements and turn toward the sound. She found Legolas standing frozen behind her.

"Please, don't move," Legolas whispered in a lust filled voice. Melayren turned and settled back into the water, her view of Legolas was lost for he continued to stand behind her.

Legolas slowly approached the tub's side and knelt on his knees. He rested his right forearm on the tub's ledge and smoothed a piece of damp hair from her right cheek. The rest of Melayren's hair had been bound at the top of her head with a glittery elvish comb. Legolas' long fingers softly trailed the long column of Melayren's neck to her shoulder and down her lean and slightly muscular arm. At her elbow, he lifted it from the water and brought her fingers to his lips for a kiss.

Melayren held her breath, waiting to see what Legolas would do next. Would he kiss her mouth? Would he abandon his crisp, clean clothing and join her in the warm water? She knew that it was not appropriate to even have him in her bathing room, yet when he was near her, all propriety vanished.

Legolas shifted his gaze from her lips to her eyes and smiled wantonly, "You are my salvation in times of ill," he whispered. Melayren's heart jumped wildly as she moved her fingers from his lips to touch the side of his silken smooth cheek. He leaned forward and quickly pressed a kiss to her lips, then rose and took a step back. "I'll be waiting for you at the fountain," he said brightly.

Before Melayren could reply, Legolas smiled brilliantly, winked, and then departed her chambers. She sat in stunned silence. Legolas' actions come as an unexpected surprise. A slow smile spread across her face as she realized that he had a different idea as to how they would spend their last night alone. She rose quickly to dry herself and dress.

Legalos sat patiently in the shadows of the courtyard's water fountain. Muffled laughter from the banquet hall drifted on the cool night air. Festive music filled the night and he could picture the hobbits dancing merrily around the room. He enjoyed the company of the little folk, they were similar to elves in the way they love life. Legolas' heart went out to each of them; he had noticed a change in Frodo and Sam. They smiled, yet the warmth of the smile didn't always reach their eyes. Memories of the pain, fear, torture, and death reached and scarred them. It was a cruel fate for a hobbit. Legolas understood, all too well, that the sacrifice the two hobbits made to spare all living creatures from true evil. He preyed they would be able to return to a normal and happy life, once the journey ends for them.

Legolas decided that he would stay and help rebuild the city and remain close to King Elessar and Queen Arwen. He stood, deep in thought, and walked the courtyard as he waited for Melayren. He thought over what he planned to ask her this evening. He wanted, desperately, for her to become his wife.

Melayren smiled at her reflection and decided that the pale lavender silk had been the correct choice. Tomorrow she would be dressed in riding clothes and the last image Legolas would see of her would be as she rode away. Her heart faltered for a brief moment at the sad thought. Tonight though, she would look her most elegant. She had applied a small amount of Faye dust above her eyes and the highest point of her cheekbones. The soft shimmer on her complexion accented well with the silver rope that trimmed her gossamer silk gown. She reached for her matching satchel and breezed through the door with excitement.

Gandalf sat in contentment as he leisurly enjoyed the smooth taste of Long Bottom leaf, which slowly burned in his thin pipe. He silently thanked and praised the Valar for granting guidance and strength to his traveling companions, especially the four hobbits. He grieved inside for the change that had come over them as a result of the war. Life would forever be different for them, even when they finally arrived back home. The villagers would never know the difficulties that Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin had endured. The special bond between the four would be unbreakable for the rest of their lives.

Gandolf sighed and looked to the stars, thinking about the days to come. A stealthy movement from the corner of his eye caused him to avert his gaze and go completely still. He studied the shadows surrounding the courtyard. He witnessed an Elven maiden circle the fountain, a quizzical expression adorned her lovely face. Gandolf chuckled softly for he knew whom she was seeking. He was overjoyed that his good friend had finally found a maiden that held his interest and his heart. Melayren's keen eyes searched the shadows and when she couldn't find Legolas, she turned her attention to the banquet hall. Gandolf sat in amusement as he watched Legolas round the 'Tower of Ecthelion' and on light, quick feet he sprinted toward Melayren's turned back.

Stopping just short of Melayren, Legolas wrapped his hands around her waist and gently spun her around. Melayren gasped with surprise, laughed excitedly while she threw her arms around his neck. He lifted her easily and carried her off into the direction of 'Fen Hollen' and the forest of Mount Mindolluin. The floral gardens were spectacular through the closed door of 'Fen Hollen'. The villagers kept the grounds beautiful for they honored "The House of the Kings" and "The House of the Stewards".

Gandolf sat a few moments more, still smiling, and then decided to retire for the evening.

To be Continued…