Chapter 8

The morning light seeped in hours later and Haldir's face dropped. Morning would mean he would have to depart soon. He opened his eyes and looked upon the woman who had fallen asleep on him once more. She had had a horrible night, but seemed to feel content in his arms, content enough to sleep at least. The Marchwarden gently shook Emdiril to wake her and got a groan in response.

"It's time." He explained to her, his arms never leaving their place around her shoulders. The elf felt her whole body tense as he said his words and he heard the sound of a soft sigh. Emdiril shook her head ever so slightly, not willing to move. She did not want the elf to leave for she had grown close to him. Her body pushed harder against his and she wrapped her arms around his waist, in an embrace. Emdiril could not help the tears that were in her eyes, she was truly upset. The combination of what had happened to her city as well as Haldir leaving proved too much for the woman and so she felt very fragile and vulnerable.

Haldir closed his eyes once more and let her hug him, returning the hug. Leaving her behind would be difficult but he had to. He squeezed her once before letting go of his grip and then moved slowly to stand up, careful not to hurt her. Emdiril remained seated on the floor, her eyes on the floor. She felt as though she would burst out crying if she looked at the blond elf. Slowly, she gathered all her strength and stood up, her eyes still avoiding Haldir. His head abruptly turned to the side as Galadriel called for him in his mind. The elf pressed his lips together in a thin line as he turned his head back towards Emdiril – her green eyes were finally upon him and he forced a small smile. The woman returned his smile with her own and nodded once, silently reassuring him that she would be okay. Extending a hand, Haldir's smile widened. After everything that Emdiril has been through, she still knew how to be brave and he admired that greatly. The redhead grasped his hand and squeezed it softly before she followed him out of the library.

"Will you say your farewell by the gates or do you wish to go to your rooms?" Haldir asked her as they slowly walked through the city of Greenwood. Glances were thrown at them but Emdiril and Haldir did not care for what these elves thought. In this moment it was just the two of them.

"I will go to the gates with you." She replied to him in a whisper before chewing on the insides of her cheeks. Emdiril had never enjoyed saying farewells, she found that she has had to do that way too much.

It was not long until they reached their destination and they found themselves approaching Galadriel and Thranduil, as well as several other Lothlorien guards who had come here with the family.

"My lady, King Thranduil." Haldir said quickly, bowing to them, letting go of Emdiril's smaller hand.

"Haldir, my child. Go for Lothlorien needs you." Galadriel said, her voice filling the atmosphere around her. Concern crossed Haldir's features at Galadriel's words and he nodded firmly, before nodding at the other guards.

"We depart immediately." The elf spoke confidently, authority filling his voice. It was no surprise to Emdiril why no one ever questioned him and respected him so much.

She watched as he stepped forwards to say his farewell to Galadriel, reassuring her that he would take care of her home and afterwards he nodded towards Thranduil. The older elves took this as their cue to leave and the departed back into the cave, both seemingly in deep thought.

A sigh was heard and Emdiril's eyes snapped towards the Marchwarden. His face wore a deep frown and she knew this meant it was time to say goodbye. The woman took hasty steps forwards, her red hair dancing in the wind as she quickly threw herself at the elf, embracing him tightly. The elf was just as quick to catch her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Many emotions filled him and he was fearful he may never see her face again. That thought alone made his heart ache and he squeezed her tighter. He squeezed his eyes shut, wanting to enjoy this moment as much as he possibly could. In that moment, Haldir did not care what the other guards thought of him.

Emdiril slowly let go of him and took a single step backwards, her eyes stinging with unshed tears and she forced a smile on her face.

"Safe travels, Haldir."

Haldir's hands cupped her cheeks and he stepped forwards, pressing a gentle kiss on her forehead. Part of him desired more, but he knew he could not for it could make their farewell even more painful.

"Farewell, Emdiril." His words came out as a low whisper before he offered her one more smile.

The Marchwarden then turned towards his fellow guards and nodded his head, his face not giving away any emotions before they started walking through the deep forest.

Emdiril watched their frames become smaller and smaller within the trees for she felt stuck. Her legs were not willing to move as deep loss took over her emotions. Tears were now freely running down both of her cheeks as she sobbed quietly and her legs finally gave away as she fell to her knees.

The woman must have sat there caught up in her emotions for hours as she had not noticed someone approaching. Emdiril cursed herself for being so fragile, she had done nothing productive all day. She had cried a little bit at first, but the rest of the time she had just sat in one spot. The redhead was startled as a hand gripped her shoulder.

"Do not grief for he is not lost." A familiar deep voice filled the air and Emdiril's face turned behind her in surprise.

Of all people, it had been Thranduil to come and see her. His hand left her and his eyes gazed down at the woman…She had looked so out of place and lost after the Marchwarden's departure and somewhere within himself he felt pity for her.

Although she was greatly surprised and apprehensive he would question her once more, she accepted his comfort and offered him a small smile before standing, her hands dusting off dirt that had found itself on her dress. Emdiril then looked upon the Elvenking, her green eyes meeting his icy blue ones.

"Walk with me." It felt like a demand but she did not complain and nodded in response. The two of them walked through the many paths in peace, Thranduil leading her towards his throne room.

"We celebrate Legolas' arrival in two days, he is growing into a fine elf." Thranduil started, his deep voice ringing in her ears. "I wish for him to have a good feast."

"I see…" Emdiril started, though she drifted off as a puzzled look crossed her features. She watched him as he walked towards his throne and sat down, confusion still in the air.

"Come and dine with us that night. He appreciates your companionship."

She blinked a couple of times at his proposition before she quickly nodded her head. If Legolas wished for her to be there, she would be there. Making him happy made her happy.

"Of course!" she exclaimed, sounding a little too excited.

The Elvenking merely nodded and dismissed her with a motion of his hand.

Emdiril hummed softly as she laid on the stone ground within Legolas' hiding place. Haldir's departure still felt heavy on her heart for he had become a great companion. He had a way of making her comfortable.

Her eyes were closed as she listened to the sound of the waterfall, calmness filling her.

"Here you are." A voice came, startling her and making her jump in her skin. Emdiril's green eyes snapped open immediately to see an amused Legolas sitting down on one of the bigger rocks opposite her.

"By the Valar!" she almost shouted before she sat up in her spot, holding onto her chest. Her heart was hammering within it and she shook her head at the blond elf in disproval.

"Has no one ever taught you it was rude to sneak up on a woman, princeling?" She cocked her head to the side as she watched him chuckle, a teasing tone filling her voice as she said the last word.

"My apologies. I did not think I had to seeing as you are in my cave." Legolas replied, a playful grin evident on his face. Emdiril stood up in front of him, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"I will accept your apology," She took slow steps towards him, smiling sweetly, "but only if you accept mine."

Legolas was shocked when she pushed him backwards, causing him to fall into the cold water of the lake.

Loud laughter erupted from her and she held her stomach as she threw her head back, enjoying this moment. The look on his face and his wide eyes were fantastically amusing to her and she glanced at him.

A soft smile covered his face, her happiness brought him joy and he climbed out of the lake, soft laughter now escaping his lips as well. The elf extended his arms towards the woman and she gasped in horror as she took swift steps backwards.

"No!" Emdiril shouted at Legolas, though she could not help the grin on her face. She shot a glare at him in hope he would not approach further, but this did not stop the stubborn elf.

Legolas laughed as he quickly moved towards her and threw her over his shoulder, not giving her a chance to fight back. She squirmed in his grasp, but he was a lot stronger and he approached the lake once more. It reminded him of times when he was still an elfling and his father's heart was warmer.

"No, no!" she tried again through her loud laughter, trying to get out of his grip by squirming and gently hitting his back but to no avail.

Legolas stopped in front of the lake and attempted to throw her in, chuckling. She got a hold of his arms however and took him by surprise as they both fell into the water.

Emdiril surfaced first and she gasped for air, her wet hair sticking to her face as she swam to the edge of the lake and Legolas surfaced not soon after. They both swam closely to each other and their eyes met as they burst into fits of laughter. She placed her hands against his chest as they laughed, his laughter a melody to her ears. In that moment she felt genuinely happy and she felt young and immature. It had been a long time since she had been able to be a fool.

"I encountered your father earlier." she spoke as she leaned against the rocks in the water, trapped between the wall and the elf.

"Truly?" Legolas looked concerned for a moment as he raised a single eyebrow, "What is it that he wanted?"

"He wished for me to feast with you in two days. He said you enjoy my companionship." Emdiril answered, smiling whole heartedly.

Legolas' cheeks tinted a shade of light pink at her words. "Oh, I see." The elf smiled at the woman, his eyes never leaving her. Her hair was wet and sticking to her face, her hands we placed on his chest. Her dress was a darker shade of purple and stuck to her frame, revealing her curves and shape. Legolas swallowed, thoughts like this should not be entering his mind. However he could not help himself – he thought her to be more beautiful than anyone he had ever seen before. The elf reached out and brushed a strand of hair, which was still stuck to her face, behind her ear. His blue eyes met her emerald ones, holding intensity in them. Excitement filled the elf and he felt his heart sing at how close they were in this moment, his heart hammering away in his chest. He had not felt this feeling before but in a way he enjoyed it.

Emdiril watched the elf carefully. She could feel his heartbeat beneath her palm and hers was beating faster than before as well. The woman was surprised that she never tore her eyes away from his – the intensity his eyes always held was somewhat overwhelming, but in this moment she welcomed it with her whole being. His face moved in closer and she closed her eyes as his nose brushed hers softly. A small smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she could feel his breath on her lips, but before she knew it he broke away and cleared his throat.

"You must be cold in this water." He said rapidly, his cheeks glowing a shade of pink.

Emdiril blinked in surprise; the water had been the least of her concerns and this encounter had made her feel anything but cold. She felt warm on the inside and her brows furrowed slightly as she climbed out. Was he ashamed of what he had nearly done? She ran her hands through her hair and her fingertips came upon the tip of her ears and her face dropped. Maybe he would not settle for anything less than an elf.

The woman shook off her thoughts as she heard him get out of the water himself and she composed herself.

Her mind drifted off to the reason why she had come here. Haldir. He was gone. She inhaled deeply and looked to meet Legolas' eyes.

"I must go back to my chambers and change." She offered him a smile before she took off.

Legolas watched her and cursed himself. What a fool he had been. He shook his head at himself and glanced at the floor. A sigh escaped his lips as he thought of the Marchwarden. He was a good elf and certainly worthy her attention. How could his heart want someone whose heart obviously belonged to another?