Who is the mysterious Huntsman? Why did he summon Gwin here? What is this place, and why are all these spirit women acting so peculiarly? Many questions, and perhaps some answers this chapter :) Enjoy!

Chapter 79

I felt the Huntsman's power as he entered the glade, and I was afraid to raise my eyes to gaze upon him. Instead, I carefully laid Elrohir down on the bench and kneeled, knowing this was someone to be revered.

"You may rise, child of the Eldalië," a deep voice said, and it simply radiated authority, magic, and raw power. What kind of being was this? I had to admit I was afraid; I had never been in the presence of someone or something like this. Well, if you didn't count dream-Námo. "Do not fear, I will not harm you." He injected some gentleness in his tone, and it gave me the courage to raise my eyes and take in his form.

I held in a gasp. He was very tall, and wore a crown of antlers and twisted branches. His eyes shone with the same light I had seen in Lavaneth when she had been in stag form. He wore a green cloak that shimmered with starlight, and was garbed in clothes comprised of hides and firs. A scepter was in his right hand, and a brilliant, very long sword was on his hip. My eyes must have widened at the sight of his weapons, for he unbuckled his sword and handed it and the scepter to Munfaeril, who now stood by his side. I wondered if she was his wife.

He held out a large hand to me, and I gathered my courage before standing up and taking it. His skin was warm, and I felt it travel down my arm and through my body; it felt comforting, and reminded me of the healing warmth the twins provided. Since I was closer, I studied him without trying to be too obvious or rude, and it suddenly clicked why his name was familiar. "You are a Maia of Oromë," I whispered, my eyes wide. I lowered them again and bowed over his hand, which was still holding mine. "It is an honor, hir nin." Inside my mind was whirling. I was in the presence of a Maia! He was an emissary of a Vala! It seemed unbelievable.

"Indeed," The Huntsman replied, chuckling. My cheeks were flaming in embarrassment at my visible awe. "Ah, do not worry, it is only natural you would feel this way." He then gestured to a table, which was now full of food. "Will you share a meal with us?"

I nodded, still in shock, and let him lead me to a seat. I sank into it slowly, my eyes flicking over to Elrohir, where he was resting peacefully. There was a little more color in his cheeks, and I wondered at this. Perhaps being in this place was healing him.

Sure enough, there was delicious-smelling trout on the table, along with what were coincidentally some of my favorite foods. A fresh-looking salad with cranberry vinaigrette and pomegranates, steamed sweet potatoes, dark bread, and treacle with strawberries. There was crystal clear water and goblets of wine.

Everyone, including the Huntsman, settled down at the large table. After a little hesitation, I began to eat. I tried to do so slowly, but the food was delicious and I was so hungry that it disappeared quickly. I blushed as I noticed how fast I had eaten, and Arrasiel laughed lightly, "Someone was hungry!" Her eyes twinkled youthfully.

"The food was very good; I thank you for preparing it," I replied steadily, and with a grateful smile. Hopefully my voice wasn't shaking with nerves. I wanted to make a good impression with these powerful, higher beings.

Lavaneth inclined her head, "You are very welcome, Gwinthilnel."

Once we were all finished eating, Lavaneth moved next to me and took my hand. "Now, I am sure you are wondering why we brought you here."

I nodded, too anxious to speak. I had not seen any sign of Candaith or Elladan, and I wondered if I had been mistaken. I prodded my bond with Candaith, but felt the familiar wall and was disappointed.

"Recently Arrasiel was in the forest, tending to the trees, and came across some travelers who were not well. Unable to leave them to their plight, she brought them here," I went to ask a question, but she forestalled me with a hand, and then continued, "A few days later, two of the Dunedain encountered me patrolling the riverbank, asking about the "legendary healing spirit" supposedly in these woods. After determining they were honorable and good men, I assured them that their quarry was safe, although I declined their request to see for themselves." Her eyes were twinkling. "Not just anyone can enter here."

My excitement was building, and I looked over at the Huntsman. He was smiling, and before I could say another word, he gestured to his left…

…and out of the shadows, I saw Elladan making his way towards me. My voice was stuck in my throat, but before I could say anything, I noticed his eyes find Elrohir's form on the bench. He cried out in despair and sprinted over to him without greeting me, which I understood completely. I jumped up, settled by his side, and took his hand as he pulled Elrohir's head into his lap and was stroking his hair. Tears rolled down his cheeks, and I could feel fear radiating from his spirit.

"Elrohir…muindor, wake up," he choked out. "I am here now, and have much to tell you."

I squeezed Elladan's hand, "He is looking much better than even a few hours ago." It was true; color was in his cheeks and his skin was almost back to normal, and he was breathing deeper than the shallow, rattling breaths from before. "He must sense you are here."

"Then why does he not wake?" Elladan whispered brokenly.

I shrugged, "Perhaps he will shortly." I tried to sound confident, but I was unsure if my words were true. I glanced over at the Huntsman, but he looked completely unconcerned, and had a benign smile on his lips. It gave me some hope.

A moment later, I felt someone sit beside me. It was a familiar someone. An arm wrapped around my waist, and I could smell the faint scent of pipeweed. I was almost too afraid to see if I was right, but could not help myself.

I finally turned my head, and my eyes locked with the warm, sparkling blue ones of Candaith. "Hello, meleth nin," his murmured, his deep voice rumbling.

I was unable to speak, I was so shocked. Instead, I put both of my hands on his cheeks and then ran one through his hair. He closed his eyes and hummed in delight at the sensation.

Finally, I found my voice, "Candaith? Is…is this a dream?" I was whispering, afraid I was imagining things.

His eyes opened again, and they were full of love, "Nay Gwin, I assure you I am alive and sitting next to you." He raised up a hand, and I noticed it was shaking slightly, before he tucked some hair behind my ear and stroked my cheek with his calloused fingers. I leaned into it, and felt a tear roll down my cheek. He wiped it away gently. Before he could say another word, I pulled his face to mine, and our lips locked.

Immediately I felt our bond flare to life, and I gasped and moved away slightly in wonderment. We were breathing heavily, and his forehead rested against my own as we processed the connection I had so badly missed. I was aware many others were looking, but I was sure they understood and did not begrudge our physical intimacy.

I had many questions, but set them aside for now as I snuggled against Candaith and turned back to face the twins. Elladan continued to run his fingers through his brother's hair, whispering something in Sindarin that was too faint for me to hear.

Suddenly, Elrohir's eyes fluttered and slowly opened. His breath caught in his throat as his gaze locked with Elladan's. "E-Elladan? Are we…are we alive?" he said in wonderment.

"Yes, muindor," he whispered joyfully, tears rolling down his cheeks. Elrohir raised a trembling hand to wipe them away as Elladan pulled him close to his chest.

I knew I would get a better chance to greet Elladan later, so Candaith and I rose to give them some privacy, and made our way to sit under one of the willow trees. I immediately curled up in his arms, and tucked my head under his chin. I almost lost it when he began to hum the very familiar tune I had learned back in the Prancing Pony, but managed to keep myself together and eventually joined in. He grinned down at me, and my breath caught at the brilliance of his smile before he gently kissed me. There were no words to adequately describe how 'right' it felt; all I knew was the hole in my heart was now gone.

I do not know how long we sat thus, as the sky never darkened. Clearly, this place was in a world of its own. Hearing Candaith's strong heartbeat as I laid my head against his chest was reassuring; it was almost unbelievable they had lived. I glanced occasionally over at the twins, and was pleased to see Elrohir eventually sit up and then speak animatedly with Elladan. He was improving before our very eyes, and it made my heart glad.

However, I knew we could not stay here forever, and there were many things to be discussed. I reluctantly uncurled myself from Candaith's arms and murmured, "We should join the others and talk." He nodded and couldn't help but kiss me again, and I deepened it, relishing the close contact.

It was with much difficulty that I ended the kiss, and he pouted a little, which made me giggle. "Very well, meleth," he whispered huskily, and I almost abandoned my plan to go to the twins and instead continue what we had been doing. Using most of my willpower, I moved out of his lap and stood, pulling him to his feet but not letting go of his hand.

As we approached, Elladan stood and embraced me tightly. "Hello again, muinthel," he said softly. "Did you miss me?"

I wacked him on the shoulder playfully, trying not to let on how relieved I was, "Of course I did you dolt." He grinned, and it made me feel joyful. "Did you miss me as well?"

His grin softened. "Maybe a little." I could hear the sincerity in his voice, and pulled me into his arms again.

After a few moments, I let go, and we all sat together on the ground, despite the presence of the benches. The grass was soft beneath us, and the air pleasantly warm. The Huntsman and the four 'women' had given us some privacy, and I appreciated it. I would make sure to thank them profusely for their help, although nothing I could offer could possibly be enough.

"Now, tell us what happened," I said, a little apprehensively.

Candaith nodded, and began.

Yay! Finally, they are reunited! My mood lightened considerably as I wrote this, after all the heartache Gwin and Elrohir had gone through, which was difficult to pen without it impacting my own emotions. I'm sure you are all wondering how this came to pass, and Candaith will give us an explanation, starting next chapter. I hope you are all pleased with their reunion, and please leave a review!