OoooOoooO

Three boats bobbed gently in the rushing river, lashed securely to a nearby tree. Aragorn was stowing their packs underneath the seats, and Gimli was throwing a tantrum about going on a boat. Dwarves, after all, cannot really swim. Legolas was leaning against a tree, his heart aching. It had been three short weeks with Accalia - three beautiful, blissful, perfect weeks. Hzrathgur had said nothing to him during that whole time, but Legolas didn't really care. He could live with the wolf's anger if it meant being with Accalia.

He saw Accalia packing as well - she was leaving for Fangorn Forest at the same time they were leaving for Mordor. Hzrathgur was freshly bathed and combed, and he was off in the forest saying good bye to Lady Galadriel, who had taken special care of the gigantic wolf. Legolas watched her plait her blonde hair firmly behind her, and he left his position by the tree in order to sneak up on her. When he reached her, he encircled her waist with his hand.

Was it his imagination, or did her breath intake slightly? She flicked a glance behind her and smiled when she saw it was Legolas. She relaxed and leaned against his chest, loving the feel of his warm breath on her neck. "Yes?" she asked.

"I'm going to miss you." he murmured in her ear. She turned around, her gray eyes full of sadness.

"I know, turalin. I'll miss you too." Accalia said softly. His eyebrows drew together.

"Turalin?" he asked questioningly. Accalia stroked his cheek gently.

"In Rider, it means 'warrior' or 'courageous one'." she answered simply. "It's how I always think of you."

Legolas smiled at her. She stood on tiptoe and kissed his left cheek, then his right. By Rider customs, she was signaling to the rest of the tribe that he was an equal, and a good friend. "Je lapit alle mina frellain." She breathed in his ear.

"What does that mean?" he asked quietly. He felt her smile against his cheek.

"It means 'whenever you see something beautiful, think of me'." She answered. Impulsively, he kissed her cheek swiftly.

"I will." he promised. Reluctantly they broke apart, and he climbed into the boat, his new bow winking in the sun. He had given her his old bow, since the new one Lady Galadriel had given him was far superior. She had accepted it graciously, and had bestowed upon him a royal smile and her preciously carved dierk.

Aragorn cast off, and the last thing Legolas saw was Accalia standing on the bank, leaning up against a tree, Hzrathgur by her side. She unsheathed her swords and crossed them over her head, bidding them farewell in true Rider fashion. When the small boats had disappeared out of sight, she sighed and lowered her blades.

I'm going to miss him something terrible, Hzrathgur.

she said.

I still wish you have chosen the Ranger.

Hzrathgur grumbled. I have never liked elves, ever since that miserable Haldir broke your heart.

Her lips tightened. He's nothing like that. Accalia insisted. Haldir was a selfish, greedy pig who just wanted to bring me to his talan. Legolas is a perfect gentleman.

Hzrathgur dipped his head and licked her cheek. We should be going, my Rider. he said softly. You can long for your lover while we are riding, can you not?

He isn't my said crossly, swinging herself on Hzrathgur gracefully, adjusting the packs of food on her shoulders. We're friends, that's all.

Ah, little Rider,Hzrathgur said. Does your heart tell you he is a friend?

Accalia didn't answer.