Chapter Two: Growing Darkness

"Let me go with you," Arwen begged. She felt breathless and her pulse was racing as she gazed longingly at the grim-faced ranger. Aragorn had just kissed her and her lips were positively buzzing!

"I cannot dishonor your fair name, nor bring shame on the house of Elrond," Aragorn replied. He was far more in control of his feelings than Arwen. Gently he placed his big hands on her shoulders, gazing down at her shining eyes and swollen lips with a sad and tender smile. "The path we tread is full of danger. Weeks of hunger, thirst, and bone-chilling cold lie ahead of us."

"I don't care about that," Arwen cried, tears springing to her eyes. Her voice was hoarse, but her words rang out loud and clear in the still, gloomy forest. Suddenly another voice interrupted them.

"The hour grows late, yet Arwen the daughter of Elrond is still awake and walking in the woods alone," Lady Galadriel said softly.

"I'm not alone," Arwen snapped, her hot cheeks red and blazing like the very fires of Mordor. "I'm with Aragorn! I mean, I was just wishing him success . . . on his quest to Mount Doom."

"Lady Arwen wished only to give me her blessings," Aragorn said calmly. "And she offered to accompany you, Lady of Light, on your own quest to recover the jewels of Mira-Mira."

"I did? I mean, right. I did." Arwen was well aware that Aragorn was protecting her reputation, sheltering her from criticism. She'd been kissing him, forgetting all her duties and responsibilities, aware of nothing but his lips on hers. She frowned, disturbed by the way her body seemed to yearn and even ache for his touch. Aragorn wouldn't want a girl who simply gave in to her desires. She had to master them as he did, always putting her duty first.

"The jewels of Mira-Mira have been lost for ages," Galadriel stated, slipping her arm around Arwen's shoulders. "We should have a long talk about where to search for them in the morning. But first I think it would be wise to get a good night's sleep."

"Yes, of course!" As she was being led back to her chamber, Arwen looked over her shoulder, desperate for one last stolen glance at Aragorn's stern and sad yet all-commanding visage.

But all she saw was woods and growing darkness.