1Thanks again to all my loyal readers! Your encouragement is much appreciated!

Sadly, for most all of you have requested that I do so, Arya is not going to die. She's one of the main (yet evil) characters, and killing her would be like killing all the conflict. And that would only leave one evil guy! So, she stays... For now.

'The Worst is yet to come...'

"I told you!" Arya shrieked at her father, "I told you that they wouldn't have the gall to kill or banish her!"

Sircin tried to ignore his daughter, but knew she had her point. His point, however, was that there was something in store that would most likely kill Tari worse than any blade. "Aye, Arya, I know. But there is always hope."

"I see none." Arya answered waspishly, falling down upon her bed.

Sircin looked out over Rivendell from his daughter's balcony. Rivendell was far to beautiful; the forests needed to be burned, and the people that dwelled here should die... "I still hold hope, Arya. And it comes in the form of two simple words... Two simple words, that Legolas will have no choice but to say to you in a fortnight..."

Legolas let the letter he had just read fall from his hands. It floated to the ground silently as it's reader slumped onto the bed... How could his father do this to him? Did he not know about Arya, and how evil she was? (I know that Thranduil is a really kind-hearted father, but go with me here...) How in Valar's name could he possibly command his only son to wed a she-elf he hated in two weeks? How! How could he be under the impression that he was madly in love with Arya? And what was he to say to Tari? She was still weak and feeble from her punishment... The news would crush her heart. And yet, she had told him: 'The worst is yet to come, Legolas. In a fortnight - the worst will come.'

A knock sounded upon his chamber door, and he called quietly for the guests to enter. It was Arwen and Aragorn. "How is Tari?" was the first thing Legolas asked of Arwen.

Arwen shook her head. "She'll live. Some of her wounds will scar and never fade. She wants to see you."

Aragorn had stooped to the ground, and snatched up the fallen letter. His eyes scanned over Legolas's father's handwriting, his eyes widening with each passing line. Finally, he passed the letter slowly over to Arwen, staring at Legolas. "Is there nothing you can do? Nothing to stop it?"

Legolas shook his head. "Nay, for I am 'obligated as the prince of Greenwood' and as my father's heir, as he so kindly put it in the letter. He calls my love for Tari 'lust, not true love...' and that 'Arya is better suited as a wife,'. Adding that 'Her father is a powerful lord, and would make a great asset to the House.'"

Arwen had just finished reading the letter. She only shook her head in disbelief, her grey-blue eyes uncertain. Finally, she looked at Legolas. "In any case, Tari wishes to see you... It would do her heart good to be around you."

Aragorn was silent for a moment, then asked, "When do you leave?"

Legolas stopped, his hand upon the handle of the door and said, though not wanting the words to pass his lips, "Tomorrow. I have no choice..."

Legolas quietly made his way to Tari's balcony, to find her standing there; gazing out upon the fair city that was now engulfed in the darkness of night. "I already know..." she whispered, "I saw it..." she added, meaning that her foresight had gifted her with a vision.

He daren't embrace her, for the fear that it might bring her pain, and also that he might just die of grief right then and there...

"It's alright..." Tari said gently, turning to face him. His eyes were so sorrowful, and so full of grief... Tari drew him to her, placing her hands upon his chest, and kissing his forehead sweetly.

As Tari made to draw away, Legolas caught her hands, holding them against him. "No Tari... How can it be alright? I see the truth in your eyes; I see how much it pains you."

"I'll go with you to Mirkwood..." Tari said, "I'll be there for you." She pulled him over to her bed where the two sat down. Legolas lay down upon the soft pillows, after kicking off his soft-leather boots. He beckoned her closer, and pulled her down beside him. Tari couldn't help but draw closer to him, her head now resting upon his chest. His arm was laid protectively around her waist.

"Nay, I do not wish for you to go with me. I want you as far away from that wench as possible."

"I want to go with you! I don't want to be left behind!... I need to be with you..." she finished in a whisper. She nestled against him more, wrapping her own arms around him. "I love you, Legolas... I don't want to leave you! Never!"

It was more like a long awaited confession than anything else. It was the first time she had ever said that she loved him... Now she clung to him like a helpless child, tears falling down her face as she sought to find comfort in the elf that she loved so dearly.

Legolas kissed her forehead lingeringly, savoring the moment of being with her like this; the words she had said.

"When do you leave?" Tari asked, though desperately dreading the answer.

Legolas closed his eyes, and rested his head against hers. "...tomorrow." He felt her tense slightly in his arms, and then relax.

"Once we reach Mirkwood, I doubt I shall see you much; if ever..." she said.

Legolas didn't say anything, but continued to hold her close to him.

"Legolas..." she whispered in his ear, making him shiver at the sensation. "I want to make this night last forever..." Her lips brushed against the tip of his ear, and he shivered again.

Warning! If you are offended by sexual scenes, do not read on. Wait for the next chapter, there is nothing in the rest of this chapter that you need to know!

He knew what she meant. He knew that she was sure beyond anything that this was what she wanted... And how could he deny her? With a moan of longing, he pulled her on top of him, seizing her lips with his in a heated kiss. His nimble fingers ran lovingly through her hair, and down her back to the buttons and clasps of her dress. One by one, he undid them; still not breaking that earth-shattering kiss.

Tari felt his warm fingers upon the bare skin of her back as he opened the back of her dress. She felt those same hands caress up her arms, and begin to pull down the shoulders of the dress. His fingers seemed to leave a trail of burning desire where ever they wandered. Soon he had the dress down to her waist. "You are overly dressed, a'maelamin." he said, undoing yet another clasp.

She smiled seductively; a smile he had never seen before. And how it left him longing for more... Tari then found herself looking up at Legolas, for he had flipped her over, and was now looking at her with a passionate hunger. Without warning, his mouth was upon her breasts; sucking and licking with the utmost pleasure. Tari couldn't help but gasp at the sensation that flooded through her. Her own hands were now speedily undoing his tunic, until it was tossed to the ground like a useless rag; leaving him bare to her scrutiny. He was so perfectly toned... his (forgive the phrase) washboard abs gleamed in the candle-light.

"Is what you see to your liking?" he jested, pulling her up beside him. Tari didn't answer him, but only grinned. "We really do need to get rid of this irritating garment..." he whispered, tugging at the hem of her dress. Tari answered him with another passionate kiss. Legolas leaned into her, forcing her to lay down upon the bed. One hand was caressing her cheek, while the other was pulling off said garments.

The only thing keeping them apart now, was his breeches. Legolas followed Tari's gaze to the ominously large bulge their; courtesy of their fore-play. Not being able to stand it any long, Legolas quickly stripped off the constraining pants. They were left flesh to flesh. Tari gazed into his eyes, running a splayed hand down his chest. Legolas started when he felt her hand enclose around his throbbing member. He grasped her hand, pulling it away while whispering; "You will spend me, mela, before I have a chance to pleasure you..."

Tari leaned forward, and brushed her lips with the lightness of a feather against his own. "... then show me a reason not to..." she whispered.

He grasped both her hands, pushing her back against the bed and holding them above her head. He kissed her neck passionately, while his hands parted her legs slowly. Legolas knew she hadn't lost her maidenhood yet, and knew that he had to do this right... He wanted her first time to be something she could look back on and smile.

His warm hands made their way carefully to the jewel of her womanhood, caressing the tiny nub of pleasure, and eliciting a moan from her lips. He soon had her writhing beneath him, her body aching for release. Deciding that it was now or never, he straddled her waist while capturing her lips in an intoxicating kiss. Tari felt him enter her, and broke the kiss to gasp in the pain as he filled her. "...I am sorry, mela..." he whispered, caressing her cheek. But Tari didn't care. The pain turned into immeasurable pleasure, as he rhythmically rocked in and out of her, tearing away her virginity in a single thrust. His thrusts met hers, bringing them closer to the edge. She had never before felt such completeness, until she climaxed with him, feeling his seed spill into her body.

"Ai, Legolas..." she whispered, her hands running up and down his back. "Valar, I love thee so much..."

Legolas had rolled off of her, and was now holding her tight against his bare chest. "A Im lle..." (And I you) was his answer, as he kissed the nape of her neck. "You have no idea how happy I feel when you say that..."

He reached down, and pulled the twisted sheets over them both, preventing the cool night air from touching their skins. "Sleep well, my princess..." he whispered, tucking a stray tendril of golden hair behind her pointed ear. She smiled with her eyes closed, and answered, "I shall have nothing but good dreams with you beside me..."