Promises

Three weeks had passed since Legolas had visited her in the library. Yet still, Camille found herself dwelling on him. She had seen him from a distance as he went about his duties, but had not had another chance to speak with him.

One night she grew restless. Leaving her chamber, she made her way outside into the palace garden. Without the fierce glare of the sun, the air was cool. Camille sat down by the side of the bone-dry fountain and stared up at the crescent silver moon.

All this was absurd, she told herself fiercely. She barely knew the elf. She had only ever spoken to him once! Yet, though her mind told her it was impossible, her heart

spoke differently. There was no escape from the bittersweet emotion that filled her whenever her thoughts strayed to him.

Legolas also was walking in the garden that night. When he saw her pale figure by the fountain, he made his way over and sat down beside her.

Camille was startled by his sudden presence at her side. He had approached without a sound, with no warning whatsoever. Suddenly acutely conscious of herself, she turned to face him.

"You startled me." She began nervously.

"I apologize, my lady. What brings you outside this night?" He asked.

"I grew weary of the palace, and needed a breath of fresh air."

"It is pleasant out here, once the sun is gone. Come, will you walk with me?"

So they walked aimlessly through the gardens, following no particular path, talking of anything that came to mind. At first Camille was very nervous, but she soon began to relax and enjoy his presence.

"I should return to the palace," Camille said reluctantly at length. "My mother may notice my absence."

"Should you not be out here?" He asked.

"I was supposed to be in the kitchens." She admitted, slightly abashed.

Legolas laughed softly. "The kitchens are no place for a lady so fine as yourself!"

"You flatter me," Camille responded, grateful for the darkness that hid her blush.

"Not at all." He said, laughing again. "Camille," He added, his voice little more than a whisper. He looked at her, and the intensity of his glance sent a shiver up her spine. Before she could respond, he bent his head and softly, almost questioningly, brushed his lips against hers. When she did not pull away, he kissed her again, passionately this time. And she kissed him back, not caring if it seemed un-ladylike, nor if anyone saw them. He slipped one arm around her waist, the other stroking her hair. She brought a hand up to stroke his face. After a minute in which all the world seemed to spin around her, he pulled away gently. For a moment more, they just looked at each other.

Camille could stand the silence no longer. "But…I am mortal," she managed to stammer. He nodded slowly.

"I know," he said, almost sorrowfully. After a pause, he added, "Come. We should go inside."

They walked down the halls together. Neither spoke, yet it was not an awkward silence. It was comfortable, and pensive. When she reached the door to her chambers, Camille turned to him once more and spoke.

"Shall I meet you again?" She asked, suddenly a little afraid. What if he didn't want to meet with her? What if this was just a game he was playing, merely to amuse himself?

"Of course," he responded. "Come to the library tomorrow. I will be there."

Camille smiled, and opened the door to her chamber. "Goodnight…Legolas." She whispered as she closed the door after her.

After she had gone, Legolas went returned to his own room and stood out on the little balcony he had requested specially. He had no need of sleep. He gazed up at the stars, allowing memories of that evening to run through his mind. No longer could he deny his feelings for her.

Her words echoed through his head. i But I am mortal. /i In a few short years, she would grow old and perish, and there would be nothing he could do to stop it. Time would take its toll on her, while he remained young and energetic, in body at least. Yet he could not turn away from her now. He would deal with that when it happened. For now, he could do nothing but enjoy her youth and company while it lasted.

Over the next few months, the two met as often as they could. Each time he saw her, Legolas was captivated by her beauty. How could a mortal woman be so beautiful? When they met, they would just sit and talk. Legolas spoke of his homeland, the woods and caves he had grown up in. Camille told him of her city at the height of its beauty, when it was not dry and barren, but lush and green, bustling with life and joy.

One particular day, Camille and Legolas ventured outside the palace. Both had hungered for a change of scenery, and so had braved the heat to escape for a little while. Camille took Legolas to the old town hall. The place had been deserted for many years now, but the thick stone walls kept out the heat effectively, and nobody else was around to disturb them. There they stayed for many hours, talking of anything that came to mind, as was their custom with each other.

All too soon, Camille realised she was needed in the kitchens, so they parted. She went about her work with a smile on her face, and all the other cooks and waiters marvelled at her sudden high spirits. When her work was over, she returned to her room, but she could not rest. After nearly an hour of restless pacing, she gave up and went to find Legolas.

As she approached his chamber, she realised how unseemly it would be for her to visit him in his room. Just as she was going to return, she heard footsteps down the passage and turned to see him approaching.

"Camille?" He called questioningly, seeing her standing in the corridor.

"Legolas." She blushed, feeling awkward and embarrassed all of a sudden.

"I am glad I've found you at last. I sent a maid to your chamber, but she said you weren't there. I have looked all over the palace for you. Come, I need to speak with her." He spoke lightly, but something in his tone betrayed his agitation.

Once outside, he turned to face her. His usually impassive face showed great distress.

"Camille," he began, his voice faltering slightly. "I have just spoken with Aragorn…King Elessar. My presence is needed at home. I must depart tomorrow at dawn."

Camille felt numb. It couldn't be true. He could not leave her now. She needed him.

"Legolas…" her voice shook.

"I am sorry. Camille, I love you. I will come back, I promise."

"But when?" She could not prevent the tears from sliding down her cheeks. He raised a hand and brushed them away gently.

"I do not know," he sounded miserable now. "But you have my word."

"I will wait for you Legolas, I promise." She sobbed.

He kissed her again, a bittersweet kiss filled with sorrow and love. For how long they stood there, locked in each other's embrace, neither knew nor cared.

The next day, he slipped away before sunrise. He knew that if he saw her again now, his will would fail him. When Camille woke to find him gone, she wept bitterly. She went to the library, where they had first met. It seemed so long ago now, it was hard to believe that it had only been a few short weeks ago. Now, she was facing years of loneliness without him. She did not know how long it would be before she saw him again. She knew only one thing.

He would come back. And she would be waiting for him when he did.