A/N:

Oh my, it's been a busy time. I haven't updated in almost three months. Well, you see,I was busy co-writing 'Hide and Seek' which you all MUST go read after you read and review this. You might notice a very slight change in my writing in this chapter. Well, guess what? I was re-reading 'A great and terrible beauty' yesterday and I realized that I have unknowingly based Ithilwen't mother (Eleanor) on Virginia Doyle/Mary. Ithilwen isn't much like Gemma though.

Read on! and then go read 'Hide and Seek' after which you must review then you must read and review 'Jealousy, Justice and Love' which will soon be my major project.

-Elle

Legolas began to clean my blood stained hands with some water and herbs. It was nice to feel his gentle touch again, so caring and calming. I wanted to tell him, I wanted to tell him that I loved him. I wanted to tell him that I didn't want to live without him anymore. I couldn't risk it. If he knew, he wouldn't hide it. I know that. Legolas isn't one to hide things, unlike myself.

"You wished to talk to me?" I asked, breaking the rather comfortable silence for the sake of my curiosity. He sighed as he finished bandaging my hands and then looked at me in the eye. I lowered my gaze quickly; I could not lie to him while looking straight at him.

"You know it is about Ithilwen. I want her back in my life. I long to have her back in my arms, Aiyana!" He said, beginning to pace restlessly. "You and I do not wish to marry. You wish for Nestarion and no other. I wish for Ithilwen. Why does Adar not realize what he is doing?"

"Legolas. Please, sit down." I said softly, trying to calm him, "You Adar is looking for Ithilwen. He will not have you marrying me." I said, feeling slightly happy about things…save for Lord Celeborn, someone I could no longer call 'Adar'.

"How?"

"He was at Ithilwen's parent's grave today. I was there as well, I saw him. He told me of things that you mustn't know of," I said, hoping that would end the discussion. Legolas grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me, the anger was clear in his eyes.

"And pray tell Aiyana, WHY must I not know? Why will nobody tell me the truth" his eyes met mine and he turned away almost as if looking into my eyes had pained him. He let go of me and began to leave the room without an apology.

"Legolas stop!" I said, starting to cry. I looked at the rain clouds gathering outside. He had to know, there wasn't a way to avoid it. "Walk with me, please…" I begged. "There is something you must know" he nodded and took my arm, leading me into a garden where I saw many others.

"Legolas no. Somewhere no one will find us…please." I said, he nodded and we started to walk in the opposite direction until we reached a clearing, deep in the forest. I heard the thunder above us and feared that rain would come down on us at a wrong time.

"You wanted the truth, Legolas. This is the truth. Amin Heraetha, Legolas." I said to him. Bless the Valar, the rain came down just as I stepped into the center of the clearing. I began to sing, a song to hopefully ease the pain, his and mine.

Wash away the thoughts inside
that keep my mind away from you.
No more love and no more pride
and thoughts are all I have to do.

One drop, then another and more to follow… Each drop washed me clean off my mask and returned me to what I really was: Ithilwen, moon maiden, daughter of Lord Calanon and Lady Eleanor.

Ohhhhhh Remember when it rained.
Felt the ground and looked up high
and called your name.
Ohhhhhh Remember when it rained.
In the darkness I remain.

The truth was before us. I looked to him but his eyes were unreadable. I waited in the rain but moved closer to where he was. I shed my tears and they mixed with the rain.

Tears of hope run down my skin.
Tears for you that will not dry.
They magnify the one within
and let the outside slowly die.

I took his hand in mine and looked into his eyes. He looked at me as well…but not with kindness. A mix of emotions could be seen whirling in his eyes.

"Will you not forgive me?" I asked, stroking his wet hand, which he pulled away from mine and turned to leave…to leave me alone to weep over my own mistake. He did not know how happy I had been to see him again.

"Daro Legolas!" (Stop) I said, raising my voice over the sound of thunder and rain. He was far but he looked back to me, his anger melted only slightly. He took a step closer. Another step. He ran to me, as did I to him and we stopped, just slightly apart. Both of us were breathing heavily not from exhaustion but from anxiety.

"Ithilwen…le melon." (Sindarin, 'I love you') He said the most precious words that I had longed to hear from him only. I cried for joy and he ran his fingers through my dark, wet hair, removing it from my face. I met his gaze only to see that the anger had melted away, only questions remained. I could see that he didn't like my staring. His eyes betrayed him and stated his intention.

"You may." I said finally. He trailed one finger down my jaw line.

"I have missed you," was all he said before he brought his lips down upon mine. He was tender and one could even say slightly timid. I responded to him passionately, without hesitation, he reciprocated. We only parted for breath. I laughed lightly and embraced him.

"Melin ceni hin lîn síla i 'eladhach" he said, stoking my hair as I was leaning against him. (Sindarin, 'I love to see your eyes shine when you laugh')

The rain began to grow faint and the clouds began to vanish, just as if Elbereth had meant it to be this way. We stayed in each other's arm for as long as time would allow. The faint evening sunlight crept though the opening clouds and shone upon us.

"It really is you, meleth nin." He said in awe, lifting my chin as if to look at my face better.

"It is I and we are both here, together and safe. Oh Legolas!" I said sadly, burying my head in his soaked silver tunic.

"We must get you back before anyone sees us. There will be questions if you are found, Ithilwen."

I nodded and started to follow him but he stopped abruptly. "Did Estel give you the mixture for changing you appearance?"

"Aye" I answered

"I should have guessed it. Did he give you any more?" he asked, smiling

"He did"

"Estel, Estel, whatever should we all have done without you" his smile grew wider as he said that. I smiled as well. So, it had begun.

A/N:

1) REVIEW!
2) Go read and review 'Hide and Seek' I promise it's far more interesting than this!
3) Also read 'Jealousy, Justice and Love' review too!

Enjoy life...

Best wishes

-Elle