Chapter 30
Drogon did not reappear over the Golden Wood after his night flight a few days ago. Daenerys had tried to reach for him, putting forth her will, and letting her blood – the blood of the dragon – speak to him. And she believed she sensed his mind, even from afar as he was, and Drogon obeyed her and returned to Mirkwood. Had he remained in Lothlórien, his presence was bound to cause unease and disquiet in the less wise Silvan elves, who did not possess the deep sight of Galadriel or the intelligence of Celeborn. The idea of a dragon flying over their heads would have been a hard one to accustom themselves to, and it was best that he flew back to his nest.
But the fact that the Lord and Lady had seen him had proved an unforeseen advantage, for now they knew Daenerys for who she truly was, and what manner of creatures she possessed. And they saw the majesty of the dragon, and were made aware of his wild but not evil nature, and all doubts they had considering her allegiance were chased from their thoughts for good. Now they knew that the Woodland Realm was in possession of a great weapon that would be used against the Enemy, and their hopes of prevailing in the war and protecting their lands against the black hand of Sauron were improved. Furthermore, Celeborn and Galadriel saw for good that Daenerys was not an ordinary woman, but one of special blood and lineage, which certainly made her a more acceptable match for the Elvenking in their ancient – but perhaps a little prejudiced – eyes.
The weather, however, did not deem to look upon the betrothed couple with the same benevolence, as it took to endless raining for three days after the reception feast. The golden roof of the forest looked dim and sorrowful under the grey rain, and thunder tore the clouds every now and then, while the wild wind swept through the mighty boughs of the mellyrn, causing them to moan like living things in response. Thranduil and Daenerys were mostly confined to their rooms during those three days, and only once or twice, when the storm seemed to lessen a bit, did they pay a visit to the home of Celeborn, or were visited by the Lord and Lady instead. Thankfully, the guest rooms were warm and spacious, and they were in want for nothing. They spent their time in each other's arms and engaged in quiet conversation, making plans for their shared future.
But on the fourth day the clouds dispersed, and the golden sun shone clear in the blue sky. Early rose the Elvenking, and his eyes beheld the majesty of the Golden Wood in the hours of dawn, just after the rain had ceased, when the dew was fresh upon leaf and flower. The colors of the sunrise reflected on the myriads of droplets, and the whole forest glimmered like a tapestry of silver and gold jewels. The air was rich with the scent of rain and wet soil, but now the aromas of the blossoming flowers mixed into it as well. Thranduil inhaled deeply, and never before in his life had he felt as refreshed as he did now. With a smile on his face and a fluttering heart he went to his betrothed, and gently bent over her sleeping form.
"Daenerys, my sweet lady", he murmured lovingly, and caressed her silver-white hair. "Wake up for me, dearest."
She stirred from her slumber then and opened her eyes. "Thranduil? Is it morning yet?" she wondered, stretching her limbs to chase the sleepiness away.
"It is. And the rain has stopped. It is a bright and beautiful day awaiting us", he said, his smile widening as she sat up and lightly kissed his cheek.
"Well, at last… The rainfall had dampened my spirits", she muttered.
"But no more. How would you like a trip to western Lórien? I thought we might ride along the Celebrant, and visit the Mirrormere. If we start early enough, we shall be there by nightfall, I assume", he suggested.
"Yes, I would like to see that lake lady Galadriel spoke of. This journey sounds like an excellent idea", she chimed.
Gleefully, he leaned closer still and lightly kissed her lips. And she was eager to respond, and grasped his shoulders, holding him to place, as she sought to deepen the kiss. He sighed against her, allowing their tongues to caress and explore each other tentatively, while their spirits united, and their hearts beat as one. And when they broke their kiss he cradled her head tenderly, and looked deep into her eyes. "I love you", he whispered to her. "Never forget that."
She smiled and her eyes shone. "I know, and I will not forget." She kissed him chastely then, and added, "And I love you, too."
Glad and satisfied, he rose from the bed. "I shall leave you to ready yourself for the journey, whilst I go and see all the rest of the preparations are taken care of. I will see you in an hour's time, here, under the shade of this golden tree."
Just as he said, they met again after an hour, and when they set off on their journey the sun was shining up in the sky, and its warmth had caused the excessive humidity of the air and soil to dissipate. They passed under the glorious mellyrn of Caras Galadhon, and soon they exited its golden gates and came upon the stables, where Rohiril the stable-master waited for them with their mounts readied for travel.
The Elvenking rode his elk Celairdir, and was dressed in a light tunic of dark green, which he wore loosely belted and unbuttoned, as the day was too warm – and Thranduil never really cared to abide by strict dressing etiquette, having since long abandoned the tight high collar the rest of the elf lords usually donned, in favor of a collar that left his throat free and exposed. He wore high riding boots made of soft brown leather, his sword was at his side, and atop his head sat a fine silver circlet, signifying his status.
Beside him Daenerys proudly sat astride her white horse. She wore no crown, choosing to free her head of unnecessary burdens, and she had done her hair in a loose braid that danced on her back, as her steed rhythmically trotted along the white path. But she wore Dílloth on her finger, and Lagorúth was securely strapped on the saddle. Her silken gown was light and sea-blue in color, with finely cut sleeves that left her white arms exposed, and golden dragon-shaped broaches held the fabric clasped on her shoulders. A matching belt was around her waist, cinching the dress there, and beyond the restriction of the belt the skirt flowed like the waves of the sea. A pale shawl of loose weave was draped about her, its ends curling around her forearms, and it swelled with the wind and billowed behind her as she gingerly rode on.
Soon they turned towards the west, and the sun was on their back. The white stones of the paved path gleamed under the bright sunlight, and the forest around teemed with life and vibrated with sounds. To the south flowed the Celebrant, and the pair rode leisurely on, engaging in idle and mirthful chatter as they went. Over low mounds they passed and across shallow dales they went, and came to the region of the wood called Eryn Laer, and by then it was almost midday, and the sun had reached its hottest.
"Shall we rest for a while, Thranduil? I feel hot and a little weary, as well as hungry", Daenerys said.
He brought his elk to a halt. "Yes. An hour's rest would be fine", he agreed, and after jumping off of his own mount, he helped her dismount as well.
She laughed when he took her in his arms and off her horse, and he quirked an eyebrow in question. "You need not help me off my horse. I bet I am a better rider than you", she teased him.
He smirked. "You presume too much, my noble lady, leader of the Dothraki horsemen and Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea", he taunted her, his eyes dropping to the valley between her breasts, and his hands lingering on her backside.
Her eyebrows furrowed in mock annoyance. "You forgot the rest of my titles: I am Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, First of Her Name…"
"The Unburnt, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, and Mother of Dragons... Yes, yes, my love, I remember them all", he concluded for her. She laughed, and he swept her off her feet, lifting her in his arms and swirling her twice around. Her heart sang with joy, and kissed him fervently, as he allowed her feet to touch the ground again.
Then they led their mounts to a beautiful glade and there they sat down on the grass, sheltering themselves from the sun in the shade of a great beech. For there were regular tree species in Lothlórien as well, and not only mellyrn. Those grew in large groves, and rarely mixed randomly with other trees. But in Caras Galadhon the mallorn was the exclusive tree species.
"You said you are hungry", Thranduil said, and took out a small parcel from a sack. Daenerys looked at it with interest, as her lover unwrapped the large, green leaves only to reveal slices of a peculiar shortbread. "This is lembas, the bread of the Galadhrim. One bite can keep a grown man full for hours", he explained, and passed a piece to her.
She took it in her hand and examined it closely. It was brownish on the outside, and seemed to be of hard texture. She broke the cake in two, and saw that inside it was cream-colored and somewhat fluffier. She took a bite then, and was surprised by the sweet and pleasant flavor of that hard bread. Chewing and swallowing, she soon felt satiated. "It is not so bad", she commented with a small smile. "Though I think I prefer regular food."
Thranduil nodded. "Indeed. But lembas is light, and very nutritious, which makes it ideal for long journeys. Its recipe belongs to Melian the Maia, and she passed it to the elves. Keep the cake for the rest of our journey to Nen Cenedril", he said, taking a large bite out of his own slice of lembas, too.
Once their hunger was sated, Daenerys snuggled against Thranduil's side, and they lay down at the roots of the beech and rested for a while, dozing off under the lulling sounds of the birdsong and the flowing river. And later they rode off again, continuing on their journey west. The sun descended on the horizon and gradually became less hot, and now they had it on their faces as they went. Colors of red, orange and golden scarred the blue sky as dusk approached. They passed the confluence of the Celebrant and the Nimrodel, and soon afterwards came to a small elven settlement called Echad Andestel. Unlike Caras Galadhon, the mellyrn were sparse there, and most of the structures were on the ground, with very few flets on the boughs of the trees – and those served predominantly as outposts, and sentinels stood on them, peering deep into the forest for anything that might look suspicious. For this place here was not too far from the eastern gates of Moria, and evil creatures lurked in its dark and abandoned halls. The elves were mindful and watchful of them, even though they knew that no orc would ever dare cross the bounds of Lórien, whilst Galadriel's power was over it.
"Hail, my lord Elvenking", said one guard and bowed, as Thranduil passed, followed by Daenerys. "We are glad to have you here. We were aware of your visit to Lórien, and truly hoped you might journey so far west and cast your eyes upon our beautiful Nen Cenedril."
"To behold the Mirrormere was the original purpose of my journey west, but my heart is twice glad to see the faces of old friends here, Erthor. How is your brother Hadron fairing?" asked the Elvenking.
"He is well, my lord, but still will not make up his mind to take a wife, although everyone knows fair Baimeldis holds his heart", the ellon replied.
"Well, he had better not leave the fair maiden waiting for too long, lest someone else claim her own heart", Thranduil said mirthfully, his eyes glinting. "Meet Daenerys Targaryen, a woman most extraordinary, and my betrothed", he presented Daenerys, extending his arm towards her.
The elf gazed upon her wide-eyed, and bowed before her. "My lady", he spoke. "Be welcome in Echad Andestel."
"Le suilon, Erthor. Thank you for your hospitality", she responded.
He smiled. "But come, you are surely weary of your long journey. Leave your mounts here, and I will show you to the inn. It is dusk, but there is bound to be some stew left", he told them with a side-grin.
"Worry not, for we had some lembas on our way", Thranduil told him, and both ellyn laughed joyfully.
Later on, Thranduil, Daenerys and Erthor were seated in the common room of the small inn, which was built around a large oak tree. Soon enough the guard's brother Hadron came and joined them, and they shared meal and broke bread together.
After the appropriate introductions were done, Daenerys said to Thranduil, "It is impressive how you know the elves of this remote village, my lord."
He shook his head. "Many of these elves were soldiers in Amdír's army, which marched alongside my father's, so very long ago. Our people have always been close, and old friendships are not easily forgotten."
"Indeed", agreed Erthor. "My father, brother and I went to war under King Amdír's banners. Our father was a high-ranking officer, and we were acquainted with the King of the Woodland Realm there, and with his son the Prince", he said, nodding towards Thranduil, and he smiled in return. "Lord Thranduil has always been welcome in our woods, and he would often visit us, for he and Amroth, son of Amdír, were friends", the ellon said to Daenerys.
"Alas, my heart weeps for the losses we suffered in that war", the Elvenking lamented, his voice deep. "My father, your father, King Amdír… and so many more. A mortal lifetime would not be enough to recount the names of those we have lost in the wars against the Shadow… And Amroth, whom I called a dear friend, met such a tragic fate", he said mournfully.
"What happened to him?" Daenerys asked.
"He loved a feisty elf maiden, Nimrodel… And when they were to depart for the Undying Lands, as they had decided, she became lost to him. Long he searched for her, and longer still he waited on the ship, refusing to sail off. But one night a great storm broke out and swept the ship far from the shore. Dismayed, Amroth called Nimrodel's name many times, and when no answer came, he jumped into the waves. But the currents of the Bay of Belfalas are too strong and treacherous, and fair Amroth drowned, a victim of his immeasurable love for Nimrodel", Thranduil narrated the sad tale.
"Poor Amroth. A tragic end indeed. And what became of Nimrodel?"
"Nobody knows. Nobody ever heard of her again", Erthor answered her.
"The world is filled with sorrowful stories… Some of them are true, and some might not be, but they serve to teach us a lesson. Amroth's story of love and woe tells us that one who loves too much might do irrational things for this love, and lose everything in the end", Hadron commented.
Erthor placed a hand on his shoulder. "That is no reason, brother, for you not to marry the one you love."
He grinned. "You know me too well. But I do not wish to marry, at least not yet."
Daenerys observed the two brothers. Erthor was fairer of color, and wore his honey-brown hair in one thick braid that reached to the middle of his back. His eyes were hazel, and his face pleasant, with a straight nose and a smiling mouth. He was dressed in leather garb, and a green cloak was about his shoulders. Beside him rested his bow and dagger. His brother was darker and more slender, with deep, piercing green eyes and dark brown hair that cascaded freely on his shoulders, save for two thin braids that began at his temples and met on the back of his head. He wore long robes of light grey, and a wide silken belt of crimson wound about his waist. By looking at them, it was impossible for her to tell who the eldest brother was.
"And you, my lord Erthor? Are you married?" she asked.
"Yes, my lady. My wife is a healer in our settlement, my beautiful Ídhwen. And we have a daughter, too. Do you dream of the day of your wedding, my lady?"
Daenerys remained thoughtful for a long moment. Unbidden in her mind came the memories of her wedding to Khal Drogo. Those memories will never go away. But I must not look back. I was sold then, and wedded against my will, but the dragon eggs were given to me as gifts. So I do not regret what happened. And I loved Drogo, my Drogo, my sun-and-stars…
Forcing the memories from her mind, she focused on Erthor's expectant eyes. "I look forward to it", she replied, letting her hand rest upon Thranduil's.
"May I ask, my lady", Hadron spoke in a clear voice, "Is it true that you come from a different world, and that you have hatched dragons? For rumor has it so, but I would hate to presume too much…" His eyes were trained on hers, unabashedly examining their peculiar color.
"It is true. And one day you shall see my dragons in battle, for I have sworn to fight against the Dark Lord of this world", she said proudly, meeting his intrusive gaze without fear or shame.
Hadron nodded, removing his eyes from hers at last. "It will be a glorious day."
"I do hope you decide to pick up your long-forgotten spear, then, brother", Erthor said.
"I have turned from that path", Hadron replied curtly, causing his brother to frown.
"Hm, yes, he dons the robes of the scholar now, and spends his hours buried amidst dusty books in the Lady's library", Erthor spoke with a hint of scorn in his voice.
"There is much to be learned from books. Violence is not always the answer – in fact, it only rarely is", Hadron countered.
"Too bad then, for a better spearman these woods have never seen", Erthor said to him, and then turned to the guests. "Now he throws pointed comments and sharp words instead of spears!"
They all laughed, and clinked their glasses, and drank to the health of the Queen-to-be. The brothers wished her well, and invited her and the Elvenking to another round of drinks, but Thranduil politely refused. For they had had their rest, and it was now time they set off for the Mirrormere. And so they bade farewell to Erthor and Hadron, and promised they would see them again on the morrow.
The sky was a deep cobalt blue when they exited the tavern, and thousands of stars shone brightly in it. "It is a perfect night to gaze upon Nen Cenedril", Thranduil said, as he mounted his elk.
Daenerys rode beside him, drawing her shawl tighter about her shoulders, for the air was slightly chilly, uphill now as they went. But she knew that the Misty Mountains loomed to the west, and they were so close now. The great Caradhras rose directly to the west, and to the northwest was the ever-clouded Fanuidhol. Ever a cold wind blew down from their slopes and snow-capped peaks and chilled the air even in summer.
The Celebrant flowed rapidly and noisily to the south as they went. At one point they came to a small waterfall, and an arched bridge spanned the distance above it. They crossed it, for the white path curved there, and more curves and turns followed, as the landscape became more mountainous. Huge rocks rose to either side of the road, and at some parts they completely blocked the view of the river below. And dark pine trees grew on the sloped ground, lending their distinct scent to the wind. For two hours Thranduil and Daenerys rode in that manner, until the road led them onto a large plateau. A grove of pines grew there, and beyond it lay the great lake. They tethered their mounts to trees and on foot they went to the edge of the cliff and gazed upon the beauty of the Mirrormere. Clear and lustrous was its face, and no waves wrinkled it. Upon it was the reflection of all the stars in the sky, glinting and twinkling like their twins above.
"Behold the unique beauty of Nen Cenedril", Thranduil whispered to Daenerys, as they stood side by side.
She took in the sight before her in awe. "It is magnificent. The stars are truly in the lake; it is as if they live in it."
"They say you can see the stars here even on a cloudy day."
"It might as well be true."
Then Daenerys took a step forward and looked down upon the water, gazing now at her own reflection. "Thranduil… Look at these peculiar little stars in the water, just above my head…" she said.
He stooped and looked, and gasped in disbelief. "It cannot be…" he uttered.
The stars above Daenerys' reflection grew brighter and shimmered silver, while the other stars around them grew dim. Seven they were, and they formed a semicircle above her head. Beside her Thranduil cast no shadow of his own on the water.
"The Crown of Durin…" Thranduil said in a deep voice.
"The Crown of Durin?"
"Yes… The dwarves have a legend for this lake. They say that Durin the Deathless once came upon Mirrormere during his travels, and he stooped and looked in its waters. There he saw a crown of seven stars appear just above the reflection of his head, and he saw the stars even though it was daytime. He took it as a sign and founded Moria – or Khazad-dûm as the dwarves call it – beneath the mountains that feed Mirrormere", Thranduil narrated.
The water then shifted lightly, its glassy surface breaking just once, and the impression was gone. Daenerys searched for her reflection and the stars again, but they were lost.
"No shadow can be cast on the lake, they say. And I saw no reflection of me. But you saw yours, and the Crown of Durin appeared. I do not think this is a random event, Daenerys. I think it is a sign", the Elvenking said, his eyes wide in awe and shimmering.
"Do you mean to say that Durin's Crown appeared to me on purpose?"
"Indeed. I would not dismiss what happened here lightly. The magic of this place is old and strong; you should pay heed to its message", he said.
"Do you think it is an omen? A sign of my righteous claim to rule?"
Thranduil allowed a small smile and nodded.
Daenerys' eyes gleamed with almost an electric shade of violet. She felt her blood coursing vividly in her veins, rising to answer the call of her destiny. Her heartbeat grew faster, and for a moment she could feel her dragon-children from miles and miles away. But then the effect passed, and her senses calmed.
"But this dream is so far from me still. Now I am here, with you, and I must not think of Westeros", she sighed.
"Lose not hope, dearest. You know not what the future may bring", he said, and lightly touched her cheek.
Daenerys leaned into his touch and relaxed. Then she turned her eyes towards the lake again. The water looked calm and unperturbed, and all the stars shone in it, none dimmer than its neighbor. "So, the Crown of Durin. Are these stars normally visible?"
"They are, if you know how to look for them." He lifted an arm and pointed north. "There, you see? It is Valacirca, a constellation of seven stars."
"Oh, I see it now. But I think the magical effect is gone for good. I cast no shadow on the water, and the stars do appear quite far away", she said.
"What happened earlier is very rare. And Valacirca is no ordinary constellation. It bears the touch of the Valar, set in the sky by Elbereth herself, as a challenge to Melkor… and also as a guide to my awakening kin, long ago."
"Do you mean to say then that the appearance of the Crown is a sign from the Valar?" Daenerys asked, and a shiver shook her, at the implications of her question.
"I think that the possibility is very real, yes…" he replied.
The gravity of the realization slowly sank in, and they remained silent for a while. Then Daenerys spoke.
"I should like to know more of it; the Crown of Durin, Durin himself, the Valar and their magic and especially Elbereth. The lore and history of your world is so deep and vast, Thranduil. I have read as much as I can in your library, and yet there is so much more to learn."
"This world is ancient. Even one as myself is young compared to the Ages of the world, and I have lived for thousands of years already. I understand it might be difficult for a mortal mind to perceive, but such is the nature of things. Mortal men are creatures that cherish the present moment, but for my people time holds little meaning, save perhaps for the safekeeping of the memories of bygone times that will forever be kept alight and untainted. But mortal men are destined for great things, and although magic does not belong to them, they are not untouched by it, and can even become its agents. And we, elves, are to guide them and teach them, so that they may achieve what they must."
Daenerys sighed, contemplating Thranduil's words. She knew well by now that it was not always easy to understand the elves and their ways, but she could at least sense what he meant. In the distance, the reflected stars twinkled upon the lake. Silver and eternal, not unlike the elves who so revered them.
"Then I, as a mortal woman, accept your guidance and mentoring, my lord Elvenking", she told him in a light and yet serious tone.
He laughed quietly and drew her close to him, snaking an arm about her waist. "Many are the marvels of this earth, and it is my joy to share them with you", he spoke quietly. "Alone I have gazed upon Nen Cenedril, and ever have I admired its beauty. But to behold it now with you is like seeing it for the first time. And see what miracles it revealed to us!"
"Thanks to you my eyes have been opened to things I thought not possible. It is true that in my short life I have wandered quite far, but you have invited my soul to wander farther still", she said and looked up into his eyes. They shone like the stars of the lake. "I love you truly and deeply, Thranduil. You are my heart's joy and my body's desire."
He smiled, lifting his hand to cup her cheek, and tenderly he traced her cheekbone with his thumb. "As you are mine", he said and bent his head, kissing her lovingly. "For centuries I walked alone, and thought this was to be my fate… Until you walked into my life, and I realized it was love my heart yearned for all these long years."
The breeze tousled her tresses, as her braid had come loose during the ride, and they felt like silk as he threaded his fingers through them. She closed the small distance between them and pulled his face down, crashing her lips against his. He was ready and eager, and his tongue darted forth, begging for entrance. Her lips parted, and she accepted his invasion willingly. Pressed now flush against him, she could feel the stirrings of his passion, and her own desire pooled low in her belly, like a fiery pit that would soon erupt. Gently he motioned for her to lower herself on the bed of grass, and he followed her. His hands traveled over her front, her sides, her back, leaving no curve unexplored and unattended. She sighed and arched her back in arousal, and her own palm sought to make contact with the manifestation of his passion. She found him hard, and he gasped, but only for a moment, for he quickly claimed her lips again in a torrid kiss.
"Thranduil… you are so ethereal, and yet in your hour of desire you are so earthen", she noted, her fingers now deftly undoing his laces.
He watched her movements enraptured. "We elves are creatures of this world, of this earth. We share its sorrows as well as its passions." His breath came short as she finally freed him from his constrictive clothing. "Did you think the desires of the flesh were foreign to us?"
Her persistent touch gave him pleasure for a while, and she enjoyed his on her breast. "Not exactly… A people must procreate, after all. But you all look so pure, so decent, so spiritual, that I almost believed at first you would not do such things for pleasure only", she finally replied.
"It is true that we do not seek the carnal pleasures as often as humans", he said, his voice now raspy. "But we do not know the limits of time, as they do. And after eons of marriage, the desires of the flesh do tend to decline, I must say, and the partners look predominantly to spiritual endeavors. However, I would much like to tend to the physical needs now", he said with almost a devilish grin.
He bent his head and kissed her neck, eliciting soft moans from her. He drew the hem of her dress up then, and his hand crept underneath the fabric, squeezing the flesh of her thigh. She pulled him to her and impatiently hooked one leg around his hip, urging him to join with her at last. And he did, and with a mutual gasp they became one, and after a while with a mutual tremble they found their release. Embraced they remained upon the grass, on the cliff overlooking the Mirrormere, content in their love and their solitude, and gazed at the distant stars in the sky, and at their reflections on the face of the lake.
"I am feeling peaceful", Thranduil whispered in her arms, breathing deeply her scent. "I can say that after a very long time…"
She indolently caressed his shoulder, allowing her fingers to slowly glide over his long limb. "I can say the same. All my life I have been a fugitive, and now to enjoy this… this peace, this serenity, this love…" her voice trailed off, and she smiled.
"We should enjoy it for as long as it lasts", he answered in a graver tone.
"Do you think war will be upon us soon?"
He sat up. "Perhaps sooner than I thought. Long I spoke with Celeborn, and the tidings are grim. It is rumored that the One Ring has been identified, or so the wizard Mithrandir believes…"
Her brow furrowed. "If it indeed has been identified, Sauron will be relentless in his search for it, since he needs it to regain his full power. No place on earth will be safe."
The Elvenking nodded. "His servants will be roused from their slumber, and they will be sent forth to do his bidding." He looked at her with sorrow. "You have come to me in such a dark time, Daenerys."
"Perhaps it was meant to be this way, that we find each other when everything in our lives seemed bleak and without hope."
He gave her a small smile. "Do you believe so?"
Daenerys smiled. "I think that we are better for it. Would you rather you were still alone, now on the brink of war? I think not." She caressed his cheek. "My love, together we will fight in this war. We do not get to choose the time we are born and live, but we do choose what to do with it, how to live it."
"You speak words of wisdom once again, dearest. Perhaps the Wise should reserve one seat for you in the White Council", he told her in mirth, attempting to lift both their spirits.
And indeed she chuckled. "Are those seats not reserved for ancient elves and old wizards? What would a young girl do amongst them?"
"Oh, they can keep their seats and councils. I would rather have you all to myself", he told her, and possessively gathered her to his chest.
She wound her arms about his torso and rested her head on his shoulder. "I am yours", she murmured sleepily, feeling the exertion of the day-long journey finally catching up with her.
Thranduil sensed her relaxing in his arms, and her breathing became deeper and slower. Carefully he leaned backwards, pulling her with him. He drew her shawl around her shoulders, so as to protect her from the chill breeze as she slept, and he draped an arm about her waist, holding her to him. Her face glowed, her full, rosy lips ever so lightly parted. So beautiful, he mused. But even now I feel the passage of time… I feel it so keenly. Such beauty, such youth… It shall wane. But not today. Not yet. We shall live all the days that are meant for us to live together… And the purpose on this Middle-Earth must be fulfilled. And then… if only I can then give her then what she truly wants. He watched her sleeping form, her chest as it rose and fell with each breath, her hair that cascaded like a silver waterfall on her shoulders. Sleep, beloved, and let your spirit rest. Today we are here, safe, and in love. Who knows what tomorrow may bring…
Author's Note: Hello my friends and readers! I hope you are all fine, and thank you so much for sticking with the story. I promise you it will be completed! As always, thank you for your reviews and comments. See you in the next update!