Chapter Six: Aldamir

As I sat listening to the king tell the village leaders that the time to debate relocation had passed, for a moment I wished to be a novice again. Instead of trying to maintain a flagging diplomacy in dealing with reluctant villagers, I would be training in the forest like my youngest brother and cousin. Those days were long past me and in truth, there were many things about that age that I would not wish to endure again, but there were also days when I wished to place duty into someone else's hands and simply be a wood-elf enjoying his land and his family.

No matter my discomfort, my duty to my king and his subjects was not debatable. The risk of alienating Elenna's father concerned me in this matter, but there was no choice in this to be made by me; I am also my king's subject. The safety of the villagers outweighed any personal considerations I might have had.

As fortune would have it, very little protest was lodged against the king's command to relocate. Kemen, the forester, showed Sordien and Calendon the sites we had chosen on the large detailed map that covered nearly all the northern wall of the king's council chamber. When he had finished, I explained as clearly as possible the defensive reasoning for choosing these areas of the forest. With what I thought looked like a sad resignation, Sordien and Calendon acquiesced to the king's wishes, each indicating which area they found most suitable. By the end of the meeting, I felt the village leaders were secretly relieved to have the king remove the decision from their hands.

As I followed the king out of the council chamber, I motioned to Culalda where he stood waiting for me. "Send for the king's steward and the king's butler." These two would know the most about what provisions could be gathered for the villagers for the trip and for when they arrived at their new home.

Adar stopped and faced me. Weariness had settled on his features, and I wondered if he ever second-guessed himself in what he decreed. I did not believe there was an alternative at that point, and he had made the only reasonable decision, but this order would change the lives of over three-hundred and fifty Elves. He did not take this lightly, I knew. "Have the escort ready as quickly as possible," he said.

"I have sent word to the border patrols for warriors to be sent home, my lord," I said. "And I have requested assistance from former warriors. There should be nearly eighty warriors for the escort if I receive the response I expect. Some of the former warriors I will send to the borders. Unless unforeseen circumstances arise on the borders, I should have the entire escort mustered and the border patrols close to full complement within the week."

"Very well," Adar said. He turned as if to leave, but stopped and looked at me thoughtfully. "Aldamir, what have you decided about the novices? Are you certain they are safe?"

At this point, I had no reason to believe that the novices were endangered. But I continued to be uncomfortable not knowing where the red-banded spiders were. "Seregon and I will make our visit to view the games tomorrow. If the spiders are still unaccounted for, I will order them back."

Adar watched me silently for a moment, and I could feel his rising concern for the young and untried novices. I felt that he had not been entirely pleased that I had not already called them in, but he had said nothing to oppose my decision. I shared in his concern, enough that I would go personally to recall the novices. "I will leave this in your hands," he said, but I did not miss the import of what he did not say.

Placing my hand over my heart, I bowed. "Thank you, my lord."

When I reached Culalda's outer office, I was greeted by the tallest Elf I have ever known. Unfolding his frame gracefully from the chair where he had been seated, he placed his hand over his heart and bowed. "My lord," he said, "I have received word that my king is in need of warriors."

I could not help the pleased grin that broke out on my face. "Indeed, you have heard correctly," I said. A smile that looked as natural on him as the dark hair of his head lit his entire face. In one step, he reached out to clasp arms with me in a warrior's greeting. Such formality lasted for only a few seconds before he drew me into a full hug that felt as if I had been embraced by a bear. "Tree, I cannot breathe," I protested from where my nose was buried into his thick shoulder.

He only laughed harder, took me by the shoulders and pushed me away to peer down on me as if I were still a child. "You have not grown at all since last I saw you," he roared.

"I am afraid that this is it, old friend. Everyone appears stunted next to you," I said to this Elf whom everyone simply called Tree. At one time, he had served with the King's Fifteen. Before serving Adar, he had served at Oropher's side as one of his guards. The orc who felled my grandfather was cut to ribbons by the forceful, swift blade of this warrior. At times, I had wondered if Tree ever truly recovered from Oropher's death. After Adar was crowned, he had remained in service for many years, but I suspected the toll of that long ago war lingered, until finally, Tree requested to be released from his duties. For the most part, he seemed to spend his days in solitude among the trees. Rarely did he venture back to the stronghold, but I had heard from time to time that he had been seen in an outlying village. Still, no matter where he went, he carried with him the smile he was known for and the burden of an underlying sorrow of an Elf who had seen too much.

He snorted. "If this is all you can manage, then I must speak to the cook. I will not have the king's first born looking like dwarf."

"You may speak all you like, but I do not think more food will increase anything but my girth," I laughed.

Tree shook his head sadly. "I can see that I am needed here. What is required that you would disturb the golden days of an old warrior's life?"

"I need your sword and bow, old friend," I said, motioning to my office. "Come and I will tell you."

Once I had completed telling Tree of our needs, he nodded slowly. Stretching out his long legs as far as possible while seated in front of my desk, he said solemnly, "I am at the king's service and place myself under your command."

"Thank you, Tree," I said, feeling a genuine sense of relief to have him on my side. "It is good to have you back. The king will be pleased. And," I added, "I know exactly where you will be most needed."

His eyes nearly glowed with anticipation as he leaned slightly forward. "Then tell me, little onepardon me, my lord—what would you have me do?" The grin on his face was infectious.

I smiled back, thinking what a unique and indomitable Elf this one was. Never would he be unintentionally disrespectful; with him, his disrespect was intentional and given with a great smile of unerring support that the recipient of his jesting was sure to recognize. "There is not another living creature who would dare call me little one, save my parents when wishing to put me in my place and you, for no apparent reason," I said with a feigned menacing tone that was certain to be entirely ignored by Tree.

"Then it is fortuitous that I am back for you need me to remind you that I have changed your cloths when you were a babe," his smile grew wider, "and wiped your Adar's nose as he learned the ways of a woodland warrior."

"I would not bring that up with him, if I were you," I laughed.

Tree threw his head back and laughed heartily. "Your adar knows that I would die to protect him and his. He knows I would crawl if needs be to do his bidding. I need not fear one whom I know as well as him. Or you, Thranduilion. I would follow you even until the ends of Arda."

A sudden surge of comfort and safety filled me. "You are a blessing to this realm and to my family, Hîrorn Huorion. Welcome home."

"Enough of this!" he said, waving his hand. "Tell me what you wish me to do."

We sat together as I explained the division of the troops as I had set them. "I will send those that I can from the former warriors to watch the borders, but I would keep back a few to aid in seeing the villagers safely moved. You, I will appoint to captain one-quarter of the warriors."

"And you, my lord, will you travel with us?" he asked.

"Yes," I said. "I will travel with the leaders' party that is returning to the village. Calendon and Sordien will stay behind to work with the foresters and carpenters in beginning to build their new homes. Seregon will take charge of the warriors who will scout and guard to the front. I will command the rear guard. Celelion will captain the remaining quarter."

He gave me slightly puzzled look. "You and Seregon will both be gone from the palace?"

I nodded. "Yes, if the king does not object to both his commanders beginning absent from our offices."

"I see," he said. Obviously he knew as well that this issue could meet with opposition from the king. "Then this is Sordien's and Calendon's villages in the western woods?" he said.

"Yes. The spider situation is out of control. We will move both villages closer into the protected woods."

"The spiders," he said as he drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. "I have seen them. And I might add, decreased their numbers as best I could." I smiled. I would have expected nothing less. "But I noted something unusual in my travels."

"What is that?" I asked.

"As of late, I have encountered large numbers of them dead. I could see no sign of arrow or blade, and it would be unlike warriors to not burn the remains. I found the bodies were dry and brittle as if they had been dead for a long time, but the rate of decay was not consistent with what I would expect of a body left to the elements. The weather is hot and decay is more rapid at such times."

I nodded. "I have received similar reports from Farendi and from Erelas. They have also reported a new kind of spider inhabiting the woods, a larger, more aggressive black spider with a red ring about the chest. Have you seen these?"

"No, I have not," he said.

"What do you think caused the deaths of the spiders you encountered?" I asked.

He shook his head. "I am not certain. At first I thought it possibly some kind of poison, but I know of no such thing. With the last ones I found, I had begun to wonder if the spiders were feeding upon one another."

"Erelas and Farendi think the red-banded spiders are feeding on their lesser kin," I said.

He nodded. "I agree. I saw puncture wounds in a few that I inspected closely. Do they have any idea how many of these banded spiders there are?"

"No. They have been rather elusive thus far with only scant sightings. But if an entire clutch has been hatched, it could range from fifty to a hundred or more."

"If," he pointed out, "there is only one clutch."

I grimaced. "I am trying to be optimistic."

He sat back. "That area of the forest has become so heavily infested that even I have avoided it for some time now. I do not doubt that we will encounter spiders on our way to the villages and on our way back." He raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps we will find this mysterious banded menace. I would personally like to send a quiver full of arrows through their thick hides."

"I would like to find them too," I said. "Let us hope that we will outnumber them."

"Indeed," he said. His face brightened. "Speaking of numbers, have you been down to the home guard hut this morning?"

"No," I answered.

"Then you should take an opportunity to drop by and see for yourself," he smiled.

"See what?" I asked.

"A reunion of past warriors is in progress. I would say there are over fifty armed warriors awaiting your command."

My heart leapt with gratitude. "The king will be gratified to know that such loyalty remains among those whom we regard so highly."

"Indeed, it does," he smiled.

A soft knock sounded on my door and Culalda entered when I responded with leave. "The steward and Galion are here to see you, commander."

"I will be right with them," I said, standing.

Tree stood to leave. "By your leave, my lord, I will go to the home guard office and await word."

"Go," I smiled. "I will be there as soon as possible." I watched as he left, feeling much less weighted by the problems of the forest. Fifty warriors! We would be able to take care of the villagers and see to our borders with relative ease. And if things broke out the way I swiftly calculated in my head, I would not need to enlist the help of the Fifteen. I could not have been more pleased. I motioned to Culalda to send in the steward and the butler. As soon as I told them of our needs, I would go and see these warriors for myself.

By the time I was free to go to the home guard hut, the time for the midday meal was quickly approaching. As an afterthought, I stopped by Adar's office to see if he had broken from hearing morning petitions to tell him the good news about the additional warriors. I found him in his office.

"You look rather pleased with yourself, iôn-nín," Adar said as he motioned me to a chair.

"The news is indeed good," I said and relayed to him what Tree had told me.

Adar looked as if he released a great breath he had been holding and smiled. "That is gratifying to hear. Then you have all the arrangements in order?"

"Yes," I said and went on to explain the shifting numbers of the border patrol and ended with the breakdown of how the escort would function.

Adar quietly contemplated me while he tapped softly on his desk with his fingers. "You and Seregon will both be a part of this party?" he asked.

"Yes, my lord," I replied, prepared to defend my decision if this became necessary.

"Who do you plan to leave in charge here?" he asked.

"I have not made that choice yet, but I will have this in place before we undertake the mission."

"Is there any particular reason that you feel that both you and Seregon are required to make this trip?" he asked.

"The travel safety of the villagers is of utmost importance," I said. "I feel that there is no better scout available than Seregon. He is skilled and governs those under his command with foresight. Seregon is a careful and thorough scout. There is no one whom I have more confidence in to do this job."

Adar continued to eye me with scrutiny. "I agree that Seregon is among the best scouts this realm has to offer." His eyes narrowed. "And what of you? Is there no one you trust to see to the leaders' party's safety? Or is there a particular reason that you have chosen this duty?"

Though I had been prepared to explain why I made the choice for Seregon and me to be a part of this warrior party, I had not prepared for Adar to consider that I was making this choice for personal reasons. I bristled slightly at the implication. "Are you asking me, my lord, if I am assigning myself for personal reasons?"

"Yes," he said, his gaze never wavering. "I am."

"I admit that I am concerned for Elenna's safety," I said carefully, "but my personal desires are not a consideration in how I make decisions regarding the safety of your people."

"Her safety is important," the king agreed. "But if this is not why you are taking yourself from your post, then what is it that you feel warrants your presence?"

"The village leaders have consented to your will, my lord," I said. "Though I believe that the majority of the villagers will do as their leaders bid, I expect that there will be some who will not be pleased. I would see none left behind; the danger is too great. My presence, as your son and as your commander, should help them understand that your decision was not made lightly or without thought for the burden this move will place upon them. My presence, I think, will demonstrate your commitment to them and will also demonstrate to them that this issue is important enough to you to send your son to see to their safety."

Again, Adar studied me. At last, when I had come to think that he was indeed displeased with my choices, he nodded slowly. "Your reasoning is sound, and you are wise to consider the importance of your presence. You do represent me, and I am pleased that you take this responsibility seriously." Relief washed over me. Adar tilted his head as he watched my reaction. "Aldamir, being concerned for Elenna's safety is important to you. I do not object to this concern. I have escorted your naneth when I have had similar worries. This is certainly not something I could fault you for. As someone you care about, her risks are increased. I see nothing that makes me think your duty suffers for your feelings for her." He rubbed his temple briefly and then let his hand drop. "Balancing personal life and duty can be challenging, but if she understands the importance of what is required of you, then such a relationship can not only be manageable, but it can also bring you great joy. You have not told me how serious you are about Elenna, but if I know my son, and I think I do, then I think you care deeply for her. Before you commit your heart to her, be certain that she understands how much is required of you. Her support will make the difference in how happy you will be."

Caught off guard, I simply sat silent and still.

"Elenna has no experience with living in court," he said. "My advice to you is to allow her ample time to decide whether living under such scrutiny and security as this family does will suit her."

"Do you have concerns about what Naneth has sensed?" I asked.

"I have not dismissed her concerns, if that is what you are asking me," he said, "but at this particular moment, my concern is for you. I do not wish to see you disappointed. I urge only caution. Any maiden you should wed will carry a heavy burden. Much will be asked of her." He smiled. "And from you. You will also have to be prepared to see to her needs so that she is not neglected. A husband has equal responsibility in supporting his wife."

"I understand," I said.

Adar smiled with what looked to me like one of the indulgent smiles I recall from my childhood. "When love first blooms, iôn-nín, practical matters are of little importance, but I assure you that compatibility will be an issue. If two people understand one another, then love continues to grow. Unfortunately, if unrealistic expectations are all that binds these two, then resentments will flourish."

"You do not think I have known her long enough?"

"Long enough for what?" he asked. "Long enough to become betrothed? No, I do not. But I am well aware of the fact that every relationship begins somewhere."

"Adar," I said, "you said once before that you approve of Elenna. Has something changed your mind?"

"No," he said slowly. "I still find her a lovely maiden. I think it is you who have changed."

Surprised, I felt my heart quicken. "I have? In what way?"

He leaned forward to prop his arms on his desk. "It was obvious to me that you were attracted to her, but now I cannot help but think that you begin to see a future with her. I simply want you to take your time, Aldamir. If she is meant to be your wife, then the relationship will withstand the time needed to be certain that this is a good union."

"I will not do anything foolish, Adar," I said, feeling somewhat like an errant elfling being scolded by a parent. Perhaps he did not mean it that way and sought to only offer a word of advice, but I was not comfortable having this discussion. "I am not a child," I said.

Adar dropped back against his chair. "Of course not. You are a capable commander and a formidable warrior, but you lack experience in the ways of the heart. I do not wish to discourage you from seeking to know Elenna, but I do want you to allow yourself the time to be certain. I would not see you unhappy."

"Allow myself time to know what Naneth's concerns are, you mean?" I said, knowing that my voice reflected my irritation.

"Yes," he sighed. "I have concerns that you are not fully aware of how this hidden truth could affect you. I am concerned that you seem to have completely dismissed your naneth's sense that something is amiss."

Heat flooded my face. "If my queen has worries, then I assure you, my lord, I take them seriously. I have not forgotten what she told you."

"Your naneth has not spoken to you about this?" he asked.

"No, she has not," I said stiffly. "Has she discerned something beyond what you told me earlier?"

Adar shook his head. "No, Aldamir, but she has the same worries for you as I have. She does not wish to see you disappointed either. Your naneth and I only ask a little caution from you. Even if your Naneth did not have concerns that Elenna and Sordien are hiding something, I would offer you the same advice. Do not let love cloud your ability to see clearly. A mistake in bonding cannot be rectified; be certain that she is who you want and be certain that you will also make a good mate for her."

"I am cautious, my lord," I said, emphasizing each word as if my drumming heart had pounded them into a jagged sentence that sounded every bit as angry as I was.

Adar kept his gaze locked on mine. "That is all we are asking of you."

"You do not approve of me making this trip?"

"That is your decision," he said. "I have placed you in command, and if I did not trust you, then I would not have done so."

"Thank you, my lord," I said crisply. "I will try to not disappoint you."

Adar sighed. "That is not my concern, iôn-nín."

Sucking in a breath, I said, "If there is nothing further, then I will go to the home guard hut and greet the assembled warriors." I stood and bowed. "By your leave, my lord."

Adar simply nodded.

As I came into sight of the home guard hut, I saw the warriors milling about talking, laughing and reacquainting themselves with one another. I should have felt more lighthearted at this welcome sight, but I was still angered by my conversation with my father. If my parents found Elenna to be unsuitable, then I would have preferred that they had simply told me so instead of skirting the issue with the nonsense about some hidden secret. What exactly was my adar trying to tell me? Was there a problem with Elenna that they did not feel she was appropriate or, I wondered again, was their concern truly that I had not paid this secret its proper due? How could this secret be anything important? Nothing in Elenna's behavior had given me any reason to doubt her. She was as open as a summer flower. Neither she nor her father seemed the type of person to be involved in subterfuge, and certainly neither would do anything to harm their family and friends in their village. Sordien had been genuinely respectful to the king. I had felt he was reluctant to leave his home, and this was something I could understand, but I could not imagine him involved in some clandestine activity that would bring harm to the king or to the realm. He was simply not the sort of devious person who would plot ruin to another. I slowed my determined march and exhaled. If they had nothing to hide, then what did the queen sense?

Culalda was busy recording the names of those who would serve. I greeted them and explained the problems facing the villages and what plans I had made. By the end of the day, I told them, I would have assignments made and they would receive orders. The ones going to the borders would leave at first light on the following morning. The remaining warriors would travel with the villagers' party.

Once the formalities had been dispensed, I wandered among them, speaking to individuals and thanking them for their willingness to serve. To see so many familiar faces did bring me relief. Truly, I was grateful to these seasoned and skilled warriors. There are no more loyal or well-trained warriors in all of Middle-earth than those I had the privilege to greet on that day.

Instead of going to the family dining room for mid-day meal, I went back to my office to being looking over the list Culalda had made. As I began to juggle the names into units, Seregon appeared at my door carrying a linen-covered tray.

"Your naneth sent this," he said as he placed the tray on my desk.

"Thank you," I muttered as I went back to my work. When he did not move, I glanced up. "You may go," I said. Still, he stood in place staring down at me. "Is there something further?" I asked.

"What is going on, Aldamir?" he asked.

"I am arranging the numbers of troops I will send to the borders," I said.

"I see," he mused. "But that is not what I meant. What is going on between you and your adar?"

"Nothing," I said.

"The king seemed a bit annoyed that you did not see fit to join us in the dining room. I get the feeling that you and he are at odds over something. Is there a problem with this mission to see the villagers relocated?"

"No," I said. "Everything is in order. I simply need to complete all that I can before you and I leave tomorrow to see the novices and recall them."

"Is the king unhappy that we have taken so long to recall the novices?" he asked.

"No, he has said nothing about this," I said, growing more uncomfortable with Seregon's line of questioning, but most of all, I was irritated that he was so perceptive.

"I do not wish to pry…" he began.

"Then do not!" I snapped.

Taking a step back, Seregon looked down at me with a look of surprise on his face. "Then I will take my leave."

I did not want to talk about my conversation with Adar. To acknowledge that I had been curt with my cousin would require me to make some kind of explanation as to my disposition. Since I had no desire to discuss this any further, I simply nodded.

By sunset, I had taken care of all the troop rearrangements and sent word to the waiting warriors. Everything was in order, but I decided to avoid the evening meal nonetheless. I was still in no frame of mind to confront my parents and their wary looks about my mood and my personal life. At times like this, I wondered at the wisdom of grown children still living within the same walls as their parents. I certainly did not want to be in my mother's presence. Her perceptions were unnerving enough to me without willingly subjecting myself to her scrutiny. At an early age, I learned to keep my feelings from her ability to sense. Unless I was caught off guard or too emotional to keep them from her, I was adept at hiding what I was feeling. In this instance, I did not feel sufficiently in control of my own anger to trust that I could keep her from knowing where I stood. If I could avoid her, then I would do so until I was in command of myself.

Elenna and I had missed our walk the night before, and she was expecting me on this evening. Dusk was waning as I knocked on the cottage door of Elenna's aunt. When Elenna came to the door, she greeted me with a smile so radiant that all the troubles of my day vanished as easily as morning fog giving way to the sun. Never would it cease to amaze me how she could steal my breath away. The wafting of a breeze played with the errant tendrils that framed her face, and my hand ached to reach out and brush them aside in what I knew, by then, was a futile effort. Still, I wanted to feel her skin and hair under my fingers. Her simple gown of pale gold glinted like the rays of the dying sun as she moved. She wore no adornments other than the leaf-shaped clasp that held her hair back from her face. Nothing more was needed. She was more beautiful than any jewel I had ever seen.

After I left my office, I had bathed and changed into a simple blue tunic and leggings. My knife, I kept strapped to my waist. No one ventured into the woods without arms of some kind, not even when only going for a short walk along the river. But without my warrior's tunic of forest green, I felt as if I were merely a fortunate Elf walking a lovely maiden on a summer outing. For this short time, there would be no protocol of being the king's son, or the formality of being the commander of the troops. I delighted in the thought of being no one but myself.

Once we were out of sight of the cottages, I took her hand in mine. A warm smile spread over her lips as she turned her face to the sky. "The stars are coming out," she said. When I did not take my eyes from her, she laughed. "You are not looking."

"I am more content to look upon you as you watch them light," I said, tracing the delicate curve of her face with my fingers.

Placing her hand on the side of my face, she smiled again and drew me to her. Our lips touched softly. I felt intoxicated by her nearness and gathered her to my chest so that she was nestled against me. Her body felt right and good next to mine as if she had been created for me alone. I hoped with all my heart that she felt the same. Deepening the kiss, I tasted her sweetness with all the drunken delight of a honey bee finding his most favored flower in which to nestle. My desire for her ached throughout me, not only in body, but in the longing of a spirit that knew there was something more to this existence and had found it unexpectedly beckoning. Despite my heart's protest, I broke the kiss and took a step back. "You are beautiful," I whispered, feeling a tingling in my chest that rose up and caught in my throat.

Gentle fingers grazed my face. "As are you, my lord."

Chuckling happily, I took her hand in mine once more and began to walk. "I do not think it is the same," I said, feeling greatly relieved that she found me pleasing. "You are truly beautiful, and I am merely a warrior awed by such grace and beauty as we are rarely given a chance to glimpse."

"I suppose it is a matter of taste," she said as she tilted her head a little. "I prefer to appreciate you."

"Then we have come to an understanding; we will just stare at one another," I laughed.

"Perhaps you will kiss me occasionally," she said.

"Perhaps," I responded. I was certain of it. Turning off the path, I led her to another less-traveled course that meandered up behind the small stair-step rock waterfall that was my destination. "Come," I said, "there is something I want to show you." Frilly ferns brushed against our legs, bowing and swaying at our passage as we walked the barely discernable path until we reached a large boulder that jutted out over the falls. Guiding her, I took her around to the back of the rock to a small clearing filled with a riot of flowers.

"They are beautiful!" she exclaimed as she bent to caress them gently. "What are they?"

"They are mirithil," I told her, kneeling beside her. "See the different colors? When first they bloom, they are snow white. In a day or two, the centers begin to turn yellow and soon the entire blossom is yellow. From yellow, they turn red, and from red, they turn purple."

"I have heard of them," she said. "Do the colors not hold meaning?"

"A single bloom or a small bunch of white is given for gratitude or when asking for forgiveness," I said. "Yellow is given for happiness or friendship. Red is the color of passion and is given for love. The purple is for commitment. A couple who are bonding will often wear the purple ones to signify their commitment to one another. Often they are combined with the red for love and at times, the yellow, to denote their happiness. The choices depend on what the couple wishes to express and if the flowers hold meaning for them."

"I have never seen them before," she said. "My grandmother used to tell me night-time stories about them, but I always thought it was merely a bedtime tale for little elleths who were trying to not go to sleep."

"She was telling you the truth," I smiled. "They grow in few places in the northern forest, and we try to protect them from too many blooms being picked. We give them sparingly and only then, when the occasion is right."

"I would not be surprised to find that the most favored for picking would be the white ones given by husbands who are trying to ingratiate themselves back into the good graces of their wives," she laughed.

"I imagine you are right," I said as I plucked one lone yellow bloom and placed it behind her ear. "That is because you make me happy."

Falling softly to her knees, she took my face in her hands and kissed me softly. "You make me happy, Aldamir." Taking another yellow bloom from the patch, she tucked it between the fasteners of my tunic. "Very happy," she whispered.

"Come and see the falls from above," I said as I took her hand and helped her to her feet. At the top of the falls we sat on the uppermost rock step. Elenna leaned back against my chest. With my arms wrapped around her, I buried my nose in hair, enjoying the fragrance and the softness that was akin to the pleasures of a restful night under the stars.

While I delighted in nuzzling in her hair, her fingers played along my arms, touching cloth and skin, exploring until she reached the slender mithril band on my left arm. "What is this?" she asked as she turned it around my wrist to reveal the complete circle. Lightly gliding her finger across the surface, she scanned the Elvish runes engraved into the band's surface. "Aldamir Thranduilion," she said. "That is all that is on it."

"It is the mark of a warrior," I said.

"I do not think I have ever seen them," she said. "What is their purpose?"

Hesitating for a moment, I sought to find a delicate, but truthful way to answer her. "When one takes his pledge to the king, the queen places the wristlet upon him and marks him as a warrior of the woodland realm."

Still inspecting the band, she said, "There is no clasp."

"We do not ever remove them. A warrior may leave the service of the king, but he is forever a warrior. We will wear them until the end of all things for we have served our king and our people faithfully," I told her.

She turned her head to try and look at me. "What if one does not serve valiantly or faithfully, is it removed?"

"I do not know of that ever happening," I said. "But only the queen can remove it as she is the only one who can place it upon us."

"It is quite beautiful in its simplicity," she said. "Every warrior's name is borne upon his?"

"Yes," I said, hoping she would not ask me how these came to be a part of a warrior's life. After Dagorlad, Adar began this practice. Among our kind, our bodies deteriorate rapidly when death comes upon us. The band will endure.

From her silence, I thought she must have understood the implications of a lasting identifier. With gentle fingers, she covered it again with the sleeve of my tunic and then slowly turned in my arms to face me. For a moment she simply gazed upon my face as if she were memorizing its curves and planes. Slowly she leaned into me and touched her lips to mine.

At first, our lips met gently, but the hunger for one another quickly grew. Soon I was stretched onto the smooth rock with her body extended the length of mine. At every point where her body pressed into mine, I tingled with a heightened awareness I had never known with such sweet intensity. All my senses came alive like a newborn's first tactile meeting with the world. The heat I felt was new and wonderful, nearly taking all reason and thought from me. All of my muscles tensed as my hips pressed to gain a closer match with hers. My only will seemed to be the will of my body.

Desire flooded me as my heart raced and my breaths came too short. Her lips trailed down my neck and back to my face and mouth as if she were searching for the place she favored most. Much to my surprise, I found I had no objection to being granted the liberty to merely feel.

As her hands pushed under my tunic, the surprise of her touch brought me back to a tenuous hold on sanity. "Elenna," I whispered.

A sweet sound issued from her as she sought my neck again. From that instant onward, I knew I would freely grant her whatever she desired of me.

I would never ask for anything more than to have her in her my arms, I realized as I ran my fingers over the smooth skin of her back, skin softer than the finest silk. The neckline of her gown gave way to my exploration as I ran my hand along its edge until my fingers dipped into the wonders of her hidden skin. As I rounded her shoulder, she raised enough to give me further access. The fabric gave way to a sweet softness, a roundness of what made her feminine and alluring. Boldly, I slid my hand underneath her gown until nothing separated her yielding skin from my intimate caresses. A quick breathe caught in her throat as my heart pounded with the incredible discovery I had made. By her own hand, she pushed the shoulders of her gown away until the unencumbered pleasure of her bare skin was mine. With quick and nimble fingers she released the fasteners of my tunic and in a moment, we lay bare chest to bare chest. Never had I felt so much at once. A wash of relief came over me as if I had finally found the place where I belonged. But along with this peace came an even stronger desire to make her mine. She was all I wanted for as long as Arda lasted.

Slowly, she kissed my chest, trailing her tender kisses and warm breath from my waist to my shoulders. Retracing her path, her tongue touched my nipple, sending shivers down my spine.

Groaning with frustration, I shifted her body until I could again reach the softness that had been pressed against my chest. Impulsively and driven by a need to know every inch of her, I grasped her waist and pulled her upward until I could take her into my mouth. Moaning like a gentle wind crying through the trees, she braced herself on the rock as I grazed her skin with my tongue and my cheek. So lost was I in being so near her heart that I was startled momentarily when she suddenly pulled away and came back to my lips with a kiss that nearly undid me.

No longer able to catch my breath, I pulled her against me and held her tightly. I closed my eyes tightly, trying desperately to calm my ragged breathing. "Elenna," I whispered, "I cannot…I will not hurt you."

She turned her head enough to prop her chin on my chest. "I trust you completely, Aldamir. I would not be here with you…like this…if I did not."

My heart leapt as filling warmth spread throughout me. I smiled. "I do not want to stop," I said, "but I do not think I can resist you if we continue."

Her eyes glistened softly when she smiled at me. "I do not want to do anything we will regret, but I want every second I can have with you. You will leave in the morning, and when you return, I will go home and help my naneth pack. Then I will live in another village and rarely see you." She reached to my side and picked up the yellow bloom that had fallen from my tunic and handed it back to me. "You bring me such joy that I cannot bear the thought of being parted from you."

Laying a kiss on the tips of her fingers, I said, "I will miss you, but I promise to come to you as often as I can." I desperately wanted to ask her to stay, but despite what she had said about not wishing to be parted from me, I could not bring myself to chance that she would refuse, even if for only practical reasons. The moment was best as it was.

She nodded sadly. "Soon, things will be in order for you to come. And I will hold you to that promise."

"I promise," I said as I dropped a rather chaste kiss on the top of her head.

Mirithil—'moon-jewels'

17