Hi everyone. Here's Chapter 18 as promised. Hope you enjoy but I warn ya – it's a bit sad!

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Forever Yours

Chapter 18

Haldir walked slowly from the glade, Galadriel's words echoing inside his head. He repeated one sentence continuingly in the hope it would ease his troubled thoughts;

"The mirror is not always correct. Many times that which it has foretold has not come to pass."

The more he reflected on this one sentence, the calmer he felt; by the time he reached Arien's door, he had resolved to follow his heart;

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Arien sat alone in her room. Legolas had requested she remained there until his return and despite all temptation to do otherwise, she had complied. She had seen no-one save those who brought her food and drink; from them she had learned of the Orc attack on the borders and Illadris's demise. Fear and anxiety washed over her as she realised the danger her beloved had faced. Suddenly, she realised her true feelings; she loved him.

She thought to the trial and Illadris's cruel taunts and accusations. She frowned as she recalled her father's look of anger at the revelations and regretted she had not informed him of her fondness for the Marchwarden. She was certain had he known, he would not have reacted so strongly. She knew Haldir was a noble, trustworthy Elf and would not be capable of such malignant ambition. She admonished herself for her behaviour toward him in her avoidance of his advances. She closed her eyes and recalled the tenderness of his embrace; his soft, moist lips devouring hers. She allowed her imagination to take flight and carry her to those places she had yet to visit.

A soft knock at her door awoke her from her reverie and she hastened to open it. The look of sheer delight on her features at his presence filled Haldir with joy. She threw herself into his arms and he wrapped his own around her, drawing her close. He chuckled as he whispered;

"I am delighted you are so glad to see me, my sweet, but perhaps propriety would be best served if we continue our reunion in the privacy of your room."

Arien blushed slightly as she noticed the curious glances from passers-by and taking his hand in hers led him into her apartment. Once inside he pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed her hungrily. A thrill of delight ran through her as his tongue slipped into her mouth to feel her inner heat and she tentatively touched it with hers, the new-found ecstasy making her burn with an unknown desire. She pushed her body against his and felt the hard contours press against her own softness.

He led her to a nearby day-bed and without relinquishing her lips, lowered her onto it, covering her body with his. His hands began a slow exploration of those places she had always kept covered and secret. She moaned softly as her body ached for more. He withdrew slightly and looked into her gentle, trusting face. He asked her, softly;

"Are you sure, Arien? Do you truly desire this?"

"With all my heart." she replied and added tenderly "I love you."

"I am filled with happiness to know you feel as I but if we continue, I will surely claim your innocence, for I crave you with a passion so great it is like nothing I have felt before. I do not wish to do this unless I know you will be mine forever."

Arien's eyes filled with tears of joy as she realised what he had just told her.

"I will gladly spend the rest of eternity with you, beloved. My heart, body and soul will belong to you alone."

He kissed her then with tenderness she had not thought possible. He smiled and moved away from her slightly;

"I desire you more than I desire to breathe, but if we are to have forever, we will wait a little longer and affirm our love in the presence of witnesses and the Valar."

Haldir smiled wickedly and added;

"Then I will show no mercy in taking what will rightfully be mine!"

He leant closer to claim her lips once more but their intimacy was interrupted by a quick tap on the door which promptly opened to reveal Thranduil with Legolas close behind. The king stared aghast at the sight before him. His mounting rage refused to be withheld and he stormed toward the couple, grabbed Arien by her arm and snatched her away from Haldir;

"Are there no limits to your infamy?" he raged at the startled Marchwarden. "You are without shame or honour. Since my arrival here I have had serious doubts about you and it seems I was not wrong. By what right do you pursue my daughter?"

Haldir rose and looked directly at the king with an unflinching gaze;

"By the right of love, My Lord!" he stated. "It is unfortunate you happened upon us before I had the opportunity to seek your approval for our union in the accustomed manner. For that I apologise, but we are in love. Will you not see past your assumptions of me long enough to consider your daughter's happiness?"

"Your arrogance is legendary, Captain, but this time you have outdone yourself. You think you can alter my perception of you by questioning my devotion to my child. It is her happiness which is my greatest concern. You dare to believe I would agree to a match with an Elf who is not of my realm, not of noble blood, and a kin-slayer!"

With his final words, Thranduil brought his fist down hard on a nearby table and Haldir flinched as he saw the enactment of his vision. He watched the scene unfold further as Legolas threw himself between them;

"Father, you do not mean that! Surely you do not question Haldir's actions. You cannot regret the death of so evil a creature? I beg you, consider Haldir's plea, for to deny it is to deny Arien happiness."

"I will hear no more!" shouted Thranduil. "We will depart this realm at first light."

Legolas began to protest but his father silenced him;

"You are not as wise as I assumed, Legolas, if you are so easily taken in by his pretence. Take your sister from here and keep her with you until morning. If I find during that time you have permitted her to meet with this miscreant, my wrath will know no bounds!"

So saying, Thranduil stormed from the room. Legolas looked to Haldir apologetically and took his sister's arm to escort her to his own apartment. Arien asked him, pleadingly;

"Please, Legolas, do not make me leave! Speak to our father; make him see I belong here with Haldir, not in Eryn Lasgalen."

Legolas looked into the tear-filled eyes of his sister and hung his head;

I am sorry, Arien. You should know there is no way to alter his mind once he has decided upon something. Perhaps in time he will relent but for now, I see no hope."

He pulled gently on her arm as Haldir spoke;

"Legolas, for the sake of our long friendship, allow us a few last moments alone!"

"I am sorry, my friend, but I dare not."

He forced Arien from the room and Haldir was left alone;

"Never again call me friend!" he said through gritted teeth.

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Tbc

Oooh – Thranduil's nasty isn't he? (he-he!)

See ya soon with Chapter 19! Please R&R.