Disclaimer: I do not own Tolkien's work, nor do I ever to claim as much.

Chapter Thirteen

Dancing

"Victoria?"

I couldn't move. My eyes were fixed upon his face. A face I had dreamed of for so long. Oh, would someone please pinch me? If this was all a dream, let me never wake up. Even if I was to just stand here looking at him forever. I don't know exactly what happened after that, but suddenly I was running to him and I jumped into his arms. He was laughing, and twirling me around. I clung to his warmth, basked in his presence. The familiar smell of horses and leather consumed me. Tears were falling down my cheeks so powerfully that I couldn't stop them.

"Now what are these?" He asked softly as he set me down once more. "Regretful to see an old friend?"

I smiled, sniffing slightly. "Never. I missed you more then words can say."

He smiled and bushed my cheek gently with his strong hands. "Well milady, may I have this dance?"

The music had started up again, I glanced at the couples who now danced in the center of the village. I turned to him again, took his outstretched hand and said, "It would be an honor sir."

We danced jigs, reels, some that resembled waltzes and some plain slow dances. I stared deeply into his eyes and he into mine. We feasted merrily, laughing and talking with our families and with out friends. He looked so handsome. He had most of his armor on, the thick leather tunic. His clothes themselves were darkly colored like the forest. His vambrace was engraved with a large tree, the end of the branches were stars. It was really quite beautiful. Two knives were strapped to both sides of his hips and his bow was leaning up against a tree a ways back.

I found that I couldn't tear my gaze away from him. I had so often recalled the image of his smile, the familiar twinkle in his grey eyes. The sound of his laughter, the way he spoke. The way he looked at me. It made me feel so warm inside, no stable boy or high school jock had ever given me that same feeling when I was back at home. I was so afraid that I would lose him if I even just looked away. The day passed like a dream, all blurry and not quite there. The only thing I was aware of, was him.

And we danced.

We were doing one of the slow dances, to a melody that I could neither describe or explain. It was gentle, like the first rays of sunlight after a spring rain. I was so tired I felt I would fall over at any time. But I didn't want this night to end. We had stopped dancing. I looked up at him for an explanation, my mind was going all fuzzy.

"Your slipping." He whispered in my ear.

My head had been practically resting on his shoulder. He was smiling at me and I shook my head. "I'm sorry, I'm just so tired."

"You've had quite the day I can imagine." He said. We started to slowly dance once more.

"Dancing for hours upon hours is something we mortals can normally keep up with."

"Your slipping again."

This time I stopped altogether, swaying slightly and leaning on him. He led me away from the couples of young elves to a log/chair looking thing on the sidelines.

"Thanks." I said, sitting upon it with a sigh or relief and a silent prayer of thanksgiving. We were silent, watching the elves dance and listening to the music. The sun had long since set and the village square was lit with colored lanterns which cast a soft glow on the dancing and celebrations. Basically, the dancing lasted till about midnight, sometimes continuing on till much later.

The dresses of the elven maids swirled in the soft light, glowing like fairy wings. Most of the male elves were still in their warrior garb, similar to Faerlain's, but it only made them look more handsome. I was lost in thought as we sat there. My mind starting to slowly shut down.

I hardly noticed it at first, but as we sat there, I could gently feel his arm wrapped around me. I glanced up into his face and my look was met with a reassuring smile. I moved over to him slowly, resting my head upon his shoulder as he drew me in close.

"Does this mean we're still friends?" He asked, resting his chin upon my head.

I smiled as my eyes closed. "Oh yes." I mumbled sleepily. "The best of friends."

Within minuets, with his arms around me and the comforting feeling that, for the moment, everything was perfect. I was asleep.

-She didn't last did she- Mirlaic asked, walking over to where Faerlain was sitting with Victoria huddled sound asleep in his arms. Faerlain smiled and shook his head.

-No, she was exhausted. And I don't blame her.- He looked down fondly at the girl in his arms. -She had a very exciting day.-

Mirlaic smiled and nodded. -Yes. Well, let me wake her. I will bring her home.-

-No.- Faerlain replied. -I will bring her, do not disturb her from her slumber just yet.-

Mirlaic did not question him, merely nodded and gestured to the direction of her flet. -Come on then, I know Alphril is anxious to see you. You seemed...shall we say...slightly preoccupied today- There was a twinkle of mirth in her aged eyes.

Faerlain didn't reply. He gathered Victoria's slight frame into his strong arms and stood. The older Elf and he walked quickly through the quiet streets until they reached her flet.

-Her bedroom is in there Faerlain.- Mirlaic said, pointing as the two entered.

-Thank you.- He said, walking through the open door, he smiled at the simplicity of the room. It was quaint, there were drawings scattered over the bed, on the floor, and by the window. A sketching quill here and there. He gently set her down upon the bed, gently removing the flower crown from her dark hair. He set it down on the small table by the bed. Bending, he reached down and scooped up a few of the loose papers that had fallen to the floor.

They were beautiful, pictures of the elves here in Gilloth. He saw one of Mirlaic, Araviniel, Cudir and his wife, one of Alphril. And one of him. He glanced at her peaceful figure, a soft smile had formed upon her lips as she slept soundly without a care. Faerlain put the picture down next on the table next to her bed, then picking up a fresh sheet, he quickly scribbled a note on it and set it next to the picture. He looked at her again, gently pulled the blanket out from under her body and pulled it up around her. Victoria slept soundly, the smile not fading from her lips.

Faerlain bent down, placing a kiss on her cheek, whispering. "I will never hurt you Victoria." He brushed a stray lock of her hair away from her face. Then wordlessly, he left the room.

Well well, as you can all see, things are happy right now. BUT PREPARE YOUR SELVES! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Happy belated Valentine's Day:) And that is all, please review all! I need some help in the creativity and updating soon part of my little brain. :) He he.

Namarie.

Luthien Anaclime

TO BE CONTINUED...