Yay! update just in time for christmas! unless you're reading this in Japan or something in which case i'm late! but by UK standards it's only 7.45pm so i'm ok!

"Are you sure this things safe?" Elanor asked, looking up at Aragorn sceptically. The rest of their group looked down at her smiling. Elanor frowned and led Aeglos up the wooden plank that rested against the ship, making a path up to the deck. The horse was surprisingly eager to clamber up but her rider was not as easily persuaded. Yes, she had seen it carry the Corsairs army but still, for a thing this large to float- it seemed unnatural.

The ships had been easily commandeered with the aid of the Dead army. Elanor still trembled at the feeling of their ghostly forms rushing past her and through her as they swept across the water itself and up into the boat, killing everything, draining the life from the sailor's bodies. Elanor grimaced as she had helped push the dead from the boat into the water, their motionless face staring blankly back at her, their faces frozen in shock or fear. For one brief moment pity caught her and she found herself wondering whether these men had families of their own, ones they thought they were fighting to protect.

Once Elanor had settled Aeglos safely in the hold, she went to the deck and stood at the side, peering over the edge. The bright afternoon sun beat down upon her, but the waters were dark and restless. Elanor glanced behind them and could see the faint green glow of the Dead following them. She shivered. Even though she knew they fought with them, it still caused fear to cling to her whenever she saw them.

Edains voice broke her from her thoughts as he called out to her. Slowly she turned and sat herself down beside him, her back pressed up against the side of the ship. Edain pulled a blanket from his lap and unfolded it, laying it over her. She smiled at him gratefully. Her fellow rangers sat close by, most already asleep and huddled under their own blankets to protect them from the wind that blew furiously. Elanors eyes moved upwards to the black sails that billowed in the winds above them, pushing them down the river, towards the war. Her gaze shifted to Aragorn who stood with Legolas and Gimli at the front of the ship. They stood in whispered conversation, Aragorn glancing out onto the water every now and again. Soon their exchange came to an end and they parted leaving the elf standing alone, staring out at the water. His face was calm and beautiful in the light and he stood gazing out over the water. Elanor felt her heart lift at just the slight of him.

Beside her Edain looked up and smiled. Gently he nudged her with his elbow and nodded towards Legolas. Elanor blushed but smiled and stood up softly. Silently she made her way over to him and noted the smile that graced his face when he saw her. His arms slide around her and hers around him, no longer worried by the presence of the others. Elanor sighed softly and lent her head against the elf's chest.

"You seem tired." He said softly, leaning his chin atop her head. Elanor let her eyes close. "You all have faced so much already." She said, "Why must you keep fighting?"

"To protect those I love, nothing is more important."

Elanor lifted her head. "Aren't you afraid?"

"Yes," Legolas said honestly, "but not of death. I fear more that I may never see your face again." Elanor felt her heart leap and Legolas tightened his hold around her and kissed her. It was nothing more than a soft press of his mouth against hers but none of the feeling behind it was lost to her. "But," Legolas continued, "It is that which will keep me alive for I could not bear to leave this world without you."

He kissed her again and it was then that she realised, without all doubt, that he loved her and she, in turn, loved him. The realisation caused a new emotion to flood through her and all thoughts of war left her mind as it was filled with nothing but the touch, smell and feel of the elf that held her so tightly.

From his place upon the ships bare floor Edain watched the couple with a soft smile on his weathered face. He had prepared himself for the day Elanor would leave them, knowing that someday she would find her family and would make that final decision. Though he could not have imagined it would be in the arms of an elf that she would find love. But he was glad. Whether she returns to them or not, at the end of all things, as long as she and Talin found joy he would be happy.

The sound of footsteps upon the deck drew his attention and Edain looked up to find Elrohir standing next to him.

"You must be proud." he said, his eyes flicking from Elanor to the elf beside him. Elrohir gave a sad smile and nodded.

"To have such a woman to call my daughter gives me great pride, but I can hold no claim to the woman she has become. That lies with her mother, and with you." He paused. "I admit I am envious. There is so much of her life I have missed."

"But there is still much more to come." Edain reassured him. "You will have many years yet, even after the rest of us are long gone."

"That decision is still hers to make. If her wish is to remain with you than that is something I must accept."

"Her mind is unmade and ever changing as always." Edain said with a smile. Elrohir looked at him and smiled also. "But I have enjoyed it though," Edain continued. "having a daughter, be it only for a while."

Edains face dropped slightly. "That responsibility is now yours." He said seriously. The pair stared at each other for a moment. Edain knew he spoke out of place but he had to be sure.

"It is one I gladly accept." Elrohir said finally. "Thank you for showing her such kindness."

"I would do nothing less for her." The ranger said with a smile. Elrohir nodded and the two men waited in silence for the war to come.

Sorry for the shorty, but I've been really busy with work!

Just wanted to say Merry christmas to all my readers and reviewers! hope you guys have a great holiday!

Love Scarlett